Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu,Health and Gender Editor
AS Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world celebrating the World Population Day today, the importance of informing and empowering youths for the attainment of better health social outcomes for national development has been emphasised.
World Population Day is celebrated on 11 July annually to focus attention on the importance and urgency of population issues such as family planning, gender equality, maternal health, poverty and human rights.
In a statement, the Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) said they take cognisance that empowering youths is not merely a social responsibility but a strategic investment for the future of our society, national development and economic prosperity.
“The World Population Day serves as a reminder of the importance of population issues and their impact on both local and global development. This year’s theme “Empowering Youth, Sharing Futures” emphasises the critical role that young people play in shaping their own lives, families, communities, nations and the world at large. With 1.8 billion young people globally, the largest generation in history, it is imperative to focus on their health and social well-being,” said Mr Itai Rusike, the executive director.
Global demographics show that Africa has the world’s youngest population, and in Zimbabwe, 67 percent of the population are people under 30 years of age.
“This means that by investing in their education, health, economic and social well-being, the nation can harness their energy, creativity, and innovation to address pressing challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, social and health crises,” he said.
The CWGH however said many Zimbabwean youths lack access to a number of basic provisions including information, general health, comprehensive sexuality education and reproductive health services, leading to higher rates of avoidable ill health, unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
He said they are underrepresented and excluded from socioeconomic and developmental initiatives despite constituting a significant proportion of the population with the potential to transform the nation’s social and economic trajectory.
“A huge percentage of them remain unemployed, are out of school, not meaningfully engaged and particularly vulnerable to substance abuse, among other social ills, which can have long-lasting effects on their health and development. The CWGH believes that it is crucial to address these health, social, economic and related challenges through targeted interventions that empower young people to take charge of their health, economic and social well-being,” said Mr Rusike.
He said this includes providing them with the opportunities, knowledge, skills, support systems and resources necessary to access services and make informed decisions.
