MANILA, Philippines — Several international organizations marked International Youth Day 2023 on Saturday by pushing for the prioritization of the youth sector’s healthcare needs, particularly the prevention of teenage pregnancies.
The United Nations agencies and the Republic of Korea, through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (Koica), have collaborated in a four-year joint project to curb adolescent pregnancy, especially in the provinces.
“Girls must be among the new generation of leaders building our sustainable future, as they are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change,” United Nations Population Fund Philippines representative Leila Joudane said.
The International Youth Day 2023 carries the global theme “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World.”
In partnership with the Department of Health and local government units in Samar and Southern Leyte, the organizations are working on mobile health facilities, the delivery of health services, and moves for the inclusion of comprehensive sexual education in schools.
“Through this four-year joint project, I am hopeful that it can create a huge impact on achieving a better future for Filipino youth who are able to make better choices on their own sexual and reproductive health,” KOICA Country Director Kim Eun Sub said.