Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services designed for adolescents will empower girls increasing knowledge and access to effective contraceptives that meet their needs. There is a need for greater investment in SRH programs that effectively target adolescents in East Asia and the Pacific.

49% In countries in East Asia and the Pacific between 11% and 49% of adolescent girls have given birth or are pregnant.

Pregnancy-related conditions are the lead-ing cause of death for adolescent girls aged 15-19, who are twice as likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth than adult women. Girls aged less than 15 are up to five times more likely to die.

Up to 52% of married adolescent girls who want to avoid or delay pregnancy do not have adequate access to contraceptives.

52% Between 50 and 97 percent of adolescents don’t have adequate access to reproductive health services.

Philippines

Nauru

Solomon Islands

97%

The babies of adolescent mothers suffer high rates of disease and disability. There is a 50-100% increase in the risk that these babies will die in their first month of life.

2x 2x

Reproductive health for adolescents in East Asia and the Pacific*

ReferencesKennedy E, Gray N, Azzopardi P, Creati M. Adolescent fertility and family planning in East Asia and the Pacific: a review of DHS reports. Reproductive Health. 2011; 8:11.WHO Adolescent pregnancy: unmet needs and undone deeds. World Health Organization. Geneva: 2006.Patton GC, Coffey C, Sawyer SM, et al. Global patterns of mortality in young people: a systematic analysis of population health data. The Lancet. 2009; 374 (9693):881-92. *Adolescents refers to 15-19 year olds. **Adolescent girls using contraception may not be currently sexually active.

7%2%

Cambodia8%

2%

Marshall Islands29%

23%

Tuvalu9%

3%

21%

10%

9%

7%

Currently sexually active %Currently using contraception %**

Adolescent girls