The reproductive health of adolescents : a strategy for action

Abstract

Sets out a strategy for strengthening the knowledge, skills and sensitivity of those in a position to help young people cope with the transition to sexual maturity. The strategy responds to a number of recent trends, including a rise in the number of pregnancies, an increase in abortions, heightened risk of exposure to sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection, and the growing number of abandoned and abused children born to adolescent mothers. Noting the numerous and often permanent consequences of uninformed and unprotected sexual activity, the report places special emphasis on the urgent need for coherent educational programmes and services that extend information and guidance to the young