WINDHOEK, Sept. 5 — Erika Goldson, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) resident representative for Namibia, on Thursday called for renewed efforts to empower young people and tackle the country’s high rates of early and unintended pregnancies.
Speaking at the launch of the 2025 State of World Population Report in the capital, Windhoek, Goldson stressed that population and health are inseparable.
“In Namibia, this message could not be more relevant. We are witnessing high rates of early and unintended pregnancies, which limit opportunities for young girls, reinforce cycles of poverty, and put their health and futures at risk,” she noted.
Goldson urged greater attention to young people’s needs and aspirations, calling for investment in life skills-based health education, access to adolescent- and youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services, and an environment where their rights and choices are respected.
Kaire Mbuende, director general of Namibia‘s National Planning Commission, noted in his address that according to the 2024 Population and Housing Census, the country has a very young population, with 71.1 percent of citizens under the age of 34 — a demographic he described as both an opportunity and a responsibility.
Mbuende warned that without investing in reproductive health services, education, and economic opportunities, Namibia risks entrenching inequalities.
He added that the country’s newly launched Sixth National Development Plan recognizes youth empowerment as central to national progress. (Xinhua)
