'Raise awareness to deal with related problems'

Prof AKM Nurunnabi speaks at a discussion titled 'Adolescent Reproductive Health in Bangladesh' at the National Press Club yesterday. On his left are State Minister for Health Mizanur Rahman Sinha and Country Director of Plan Bangladesh Edward Thomas Espay and on his right is GM Kader MP. The Shaptahik 2000 and Plan Bangladesh organised the event. PHOTO: STAR

They said the adolescents are experiencing various physical and psychological problems due to prevailing superstitions in the society.

The discussion titled 'Adolescent Reproductive Health in Bangladesh' was organised jointly by the Shaptahik 2000 and Plan Bangladesh at the National Press Club.

The speakers said the adolescents belonging to age group 10 to 19 make up approximately 23 percent of the total population of the country.

One third of them aged between 15 and 19 have begun child bearing and fertility rate among them is about 135 in every 1000 women, they added.

The speakers said young people are more vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancy due to lack of information and proper care.

They stressed the need for adolescent-friendly health care centres and inclusion of reproductive health in school curriculum.

The speakers said coordination among different ministries is important to address reproductive health issues of the adolescents.

Besides, the government could replicate the success stories of the non-government organisations in its policy, they added.

Stressing the need for social movement in this regard, the speakers proposed that the programme should be brought to mainstream to address the adults and adolescents at the same time.

Country Director of Population Council Ubaidur Rob said total fertility rate would come down to 2.5 percent from 3 percent if early marriage could be stopped.

"The adolescent reproductive health should not be differentiated from the overall adolescent development," said Laila Khondokar of Care Bangladesh, adding that adolescents are a heterogeneous group and while working with the young group their diversified age, sex, socio-economic and education status should be considered.

State Minister for Health Mizanur Rahman Sinha said the government is considering inclusion of reproductive health at primary level curriculum.

But religious and social values will have to be considered first in this regard, he added.

Moderated by Prof AKM Nurunnabi of Dhaka University, the theme paper was presented by Selina Amin of Plan Bangladesh.

Acting editor of the Shaptahik 2000 Golam Mortoza, Country Director of Plan Bangladesh Edward Thomas Espay, Prof M Amanullah MP and Golam Mohammad Kader MP were also present.