By Staff Writer
UNICEF Zimbabwe Wednesday launched a Communication Campaign on Adolescents, which will run from October to December 2023.
According to the humanitarian agency, the campaign will highlight the situation of adolescents, their power as actors of change in their communities.
“UNICEF Zimbabwe aims to support national efforts of the Government of Zimbabwe to advance the development and participation of adolescents aged 10-19 in matters affecting them.
“It will ensure that adolescents, especially adolescent girls, those with disabilities and the most vulnerable, are empowered and equipped with knowledge, skills; and opportunities to become socially and economically resilient,” the agency said.
In its work for adolescents, UNICEF Zimbabwe prioritizes five cross sectoral strategic interventions: (i) Prevention and Management of Adolescent Pregnancies; (ii) Support on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights, and HIV/AIDS for Adolescent Girls; (iii) Promotion of skills, entrepreneurship and employability; (iv) tackle substance and drug abuse; and (v) Stimulate adolescent participation
The Campaign is in partnership with UNICEF, the Government of Zimbabwe and their partners.
Zimbabwe has an estimated total population of 15.2 million of which 1.8 million are adolescents, 12% of the total population.
Around 22% of adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 have begun childbearing; one third of the maternal deaths are among adolescents 10-19; there is over 85,000 adolescents 10-19 living with HIV.
4.1 per cent of girls aged 13–17 experience sexual violence; Zimbabwe is home to over 1 million child brides, with 1 in 3 young women having been married in childhood,” the agency said.
UNICEF data shows that 47% of adolescents are out of school in Zimbabwe with such deprivations impeding adolescent development, especially the cognitive, socio-emotional, and behavioral capacities that support health and well-being.
“Since adolescents represent the future of the country, one of the most important commitments a country can make for future economic, social and political progress is to address their developmental needs.
“Early adolescence, between the ages of 10 and 14, is a particular age when enduring patterns of healthy behaviour can be developed. Developing healthy patterns from the start is easier than changing risky behaviour that are already entrenched,” added UNICEF.
