Andean Nations Unite to Prevent Teen Pregnancy

This past week, a diverse group of stakeholders from six countries- Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, Columbia and Venezuela-  joined together to celebrate Andean Week for Teen Pregnancy Prevention. This event brings together youth organizations and government bodies in collaboration with partners from the Andean Plan to Prevent Teen Pregnancy (PLANEA) in a series of activities and interactive events. With the aim of reaching communities and policy-makers, these activities are designed to raise awareness about the issue of teen pregnancy and what can be done to scale-up prevention efforts.
 
PLANEA was formed in 2007 under the leadership of the Andean health organization Hipólito Unanue, which is composed of the Health Ministers of Bolivia, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. In addition to health ministries, other partners include the Ibero-American Youth Organization and Family Care International. 

Teen pregnancy is a critical issue in Latin America. Rates in this region have decreased from 92 births per 1,000 women aged 15-19 in 1990, to 82 in 2008. There is still much work to be done- in developed regions, the current rate is 24. Access to sexuality education and to contraceptives is a key focal area. As of 2008, 74% of women of reproductive age in Latin America were using a method of contraception. 

In addition to the many roundtables, forums and workshops that took place this week, Family Care International worked with youth organizations to produce a series of radio programs on youth sexual and reproductive health and rights.

For more information, please visit the PLANEA website.