Member states of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Thursday unanimously backed Zambia's initiative on early marriages and early and unintended pregnancies, Trend reports citing Xinhua.
The initiative received the backing following its inclusion as one of the resolution of the 207th session of the executive board meeting of UNESCO in Paris, France.
Christine Kseba-Sata, Zambia's Permanent Representative to UNESCO thanked members for backing the initiative, according to a release.
She expressed concerns that issues of early marriages and teen pregnancies were growing at an alarming rate especially in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia where rates could be as high as 38 percent while rates of teen pregnancies in Africa ranging from 15 to 25 percent.
"This undoubtedly data is a call for action requiring urgent attention by all member states," she said.
According to her, despite UNESO having made significant efforts in favor of the girl child, more needed to be done to stem the tide of child bribes, pregnant or nursing girls.
She however expressed optimism that UNESCO could do more to galvanize action as the organization was well positioned to raise awareness and make a positive impact.