The world’s population will reach the seven billion mark by the end of October 2011. 2 billion of these will be young people. While some will focus on the number, UNFPA will take this opportunity to showcase the stories, connections, and people behind this number all around the world.
Turkey is the third largest in Europe with a population of 73,722,998 according to the address-based population registration system by the end of 2010.
Turkey is a country with large young population: according to 2010 figures of the TURKSTAT, 10 to 24 years age group was 25.9% of the total population. The sexual and reproductive health needs of these 19 million young people in the country are generally unmet according to the survey results and service statistics. Despite the fact that almost one fourth of the population is young, the share of young people in utilization of counseling services for Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) remains very low. The small number of young people who actually receive some services are almost exclusively married young women. The lack of comprehensive SRH education in formal and non-formal education systems complicates the matters worse, leaving adolescents and youth clueless about their own bodies, sexuality, etc.
The results of the Turkey Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS)-2008 show that 3.5% of the 15-19 years age group among married women were pregnant at the date of the survey. This figure naturally does not include the pregnancy among unmarried young people. Similarly TDHS-2008 reports that, over 70% of the births in Turkey occur before the age of 30.
According to survey, one in every four young people, between the ages of 15 to 24, does not think pregnancy may occur by one sexual intercourse. And only one in every ten young people has the accurate knowledge on HIV and AIDS.[1]
According to 2010 national statistics, there are more than 4200 people living with HIV and AIDS in Turkey. There has been a slow but steady increase in the new cases in the last five years, reaching up to 250 cases a year and each year infection among young people are increasing.
These findings show the need for mechanisms ensuring the access of young people sexual and reproductive health information and services.
UNFPA is committed to invest in adolescents and youth and help them gain access to opportunities. Turkey is a country that is experiencing a significant youth bulge. Therefore social investments in young people can help to achieve a healthy, socio-economically productive and poverty free society.
Although UNFPA Turkey has been working on many issues surrounding youth Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) such as improving knowledge of young people on SRHR through innovative peer education programmes, advocating for youth friendly health services and access to SRH education in schools, yet there are many things to be accomplished.
While world reaches 2 billion young people, UNFPA will continue to keep its vision on young people in Turkey and in other parts of the world; “A world fit for adolescents and youth is one in which their rights are promoted and protected. It is a world in which girls and boys have optimal opportunities to develop their full potential, to freely express themselves and have their views respected, and to live free of poverty, discrimination and violence.”
UNFPA Turkey will continue to work with its partners to ensure young people enjoy their rights. We will continue to keep the youth engaged in our programs. Thus, I acknowledge youth initiatives like 10 Days of Activism and believe it will show young people’s needs from youth perspectives – and I support 10 Days of Activism.
Dr. Zahidul A. Huque
UNFPA Turkey Representative
