Mozambique’s population could surge to 69 million by 2055, nearly double its current size, according to the latest World Population Situation Report presented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Maputo.
The projection has raised urgent concerns over reproductive health, early marriage, and access to contraception.
UNFPA representative Nélida Rodrigues highlighted that nearly half of Mozambican girls give birth before age 18 while 48 percent of women marry before reaching adulthood.
“Only 25 percent of women between the ages of 15 and 49 use contraception, while more than 27 percent of women have an unmet need for family planning”, Rodrigues said, noting that this is contributing to high rates of unintended pregnancies.
The report also notes that one in every household birth is unplanned, underscoring the need for comprehensive reproductive health services.
Rodrigues said this growth trajectory has serious implications for health systems, education and economic development.
She said UNFPA would continue supporting Mozambique’s efforts to uphold sexual and reproductive rights and reduce maternal mortality.
JN/APA