World Population Day is a United Nations event, and is commemorated annually on 11 July, the day on which the world’s population reached 5 billion in 1987. This year the theme from the United Nations Population Fund- (UNFPA) is “Investing in teenage girls.” Annually, the National Population Unit (Department of Social Development) collaborates with UNFPA to hold an event at which the theme of the day is discussed and promoted, within the framework of the Population Policy and the strategy of the unit. The National Population Unit (NPU) developed a strategy on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRHR). Subsequently extensive collaboration ensued with the Departments of Health, Basic Education and Women, Children and People with Disabilities, National Youth Development Agency and the NGO sector, to collaborate in promoting ASRHR.
This year’s World Population Day event builds on last year’s focus as an integral part of the Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights promotion campaign. Research shows that the world is experiencing both the largest numbers of young people as well as largest numbers of older persons. There has been little progress in preventing adolescent pregnancies, unsafe abortions, maternal deaths, STIs and HIV with significant gaps in availability, quality and access to comprehensive sexuality education and services for young people. Youth unemployment still remains a major challenge in South Africa.
The event will be held at New Brighton, Port Elizabeth on 11 July 2016. The event will provide an opportunity to communicate and advocate on investing in teenage girls by promoting healthy habits and ensuring education and employment opportunities as well as access to sexual and reproductive health services.
The Minister of Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini will grace the occasion as well as the Country Representative of UNFPA who will give a message of support. National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) will make a detailed presentation on investing in young people. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Community- Based Organisations, Faith-Based Organisations and young people from various municipalities around the Eastern Cape will participate at the event. Their participation will further strengthen government and young people’s collaboration if investment in young people’s well-being is to be achieved.
For further information, contact:
Ms Pheya Mabote
Tel: 012 312 7261
E-mail: PheyaM@dsd.gov.za
