Population day targets teen mums

 THIRTEEN percent of women in labour wards in the country are aged 15 to 17-years-old, a United Nations representative says.

Marking World Population Day, United Nations Population Fund assistant representative Dr Gilbert Hiawalyer said it was a case of children giving birth to children.

“They are giving birth but their bodies are not yet well-developed,” he said.

“Many such young mothers develop complications which is dangerous for mother and child.

“Here, you have a situation where couples who are not ready to have children are having them.”

People in Port Moresby marched last Friday from Vulupindi Haus, at Waigani, to the University of PNG main campus to mark the day.

In a statement, the United Nations said this year’s activities were centred on addressing and lowering female adolescent pregnancies and encouraging family planning.