Delegates at the meeting (Source: VOV)Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam needs to increase investment in adolescent girls for a sustainable and equal development, Health Minister Nguyen Thi Kim Tien has said.
She made the remarks at a meeting jointly organised by the Ministry of Health and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Vietnam in Hanoi on July 9 to mark the world Population Day (July 11).
She highlighted that Vietnam should take advantage of the current period of “golden population structure” to boost socio-economic development.
Vietnam has recognised the rights of women and made significant investment in education and health care for them, she affirmed.
For her part, Astrid Bant, UNFPA Representative in Vietnam said there are a mere 1.8 billion people aged between 10 and 24, accounting for 25 percent of the world’s total population. Their ambitions and achievements will contribute to shaping the future of the world.
She also underlined the need to ensure all girls and boys shall have the rights to be heard, to go to school, and to have equal access to public services and stable jobs.
This is not only crucial for the lives of adolescent girls but also lays an important foundation for health and happiness of each family, community and nation, Astrid said.
The UNFPA has determined “Investing in adolescent girls” as the theme of the 2016 World Population Day in order to call on governments, organisations, communities and families to pay more attention to teenage girls.-VNA
