The latest study, “Returns on Investment in Adolescents’ Sexual and Reproductive Health in Rajasthan” reveals key findings about the economic and health advantages of increased investment in adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health-specific interventions in Rajasthan. Adolescents, a diverse group aged between 10 and 19 years, are at varying stages of development, live in differing circumstances, and have unique needs.
Key Insights from the Study
The study has revealed that for every Rs. 100 spent on addressing the unmet needs of adolescents, there will be a return of approximately Rs. 300 in healthcare costs saved, an attractive benefit-cost ratio. It also considers the potential to expand services like Access to contraceptives, Comprehensive Abortion Care (CAC), Weekly Iron and Folic acid Supplementation (WIFS) and Menstrual Hygiene Schemes (MHS) across the state.
Adolescent Demographics in India
India is home to 253 million adolescents, indicating that every fifth person in the country falls into this category. Despite the immense potential towards economic development and poverty reduction, numerous challenges affect healthy adolescent development, including structural poverty, social discrimination, regressive social norms, early marriage, and insufficient education.
Rajasthan’s Adolescent Scenario
Rajasthan’s adolescent population comprises 15 million or 23% of the total populace of the state. The ratio of males to females is approximately equal. The state struggles with the issues of child marriage and adolescent pregnancy. Over one-third of girls are married before reaching 18, and 6.3% of girls aged between 15-19 are already mothers, a rate significantly higher than the national average.
Consequences of Adolescent Pregnancy
Adolescent pregnancy carries severe risks for both mother and child. Young mothers are more susceptible to eclampsia, uterine infections, and other systemic infections. Babies born to adolescent mothers are more likely to face low birth weight, premature birth, birth injuries, stillbirth, and infant mortality. These health challenges, coupled with a lack of education and the responsibilities of parenthood, limit an adolescent’s future economic opportunities and career choices.
Proposed Measures
The study suggests the development of new standards and guidelines to enhance the quality of reproductive health services. It asks for increased state investment in health and education, as well as resources for adolescents. The study also urges for expansion and strengthening of nutrition supplementation programs and sensitivity towards adolescent-specific health interventions. It recommends an increase in modern contraceptive prevalence rate to 32% by 2025.
Initiatives in Rajasthan
The ‘Rajasthan Zero Teenage Pregnancy Campaign’ aims to increase awareness about teenage pregnancy and calls for commitment against this issue. National Initiatives such as the Adolescent Friendly Health Services Program and the Scheme for Adolescent Girls promote health awareness and empowerment among adolescent girls. Programs like Poshan Abhiyan and PM-Poshan Scheme tackle malnutrition, aiming to improve the overall health of adolescents.