Jihan Salad, Program Specialist, Sexual and Reproductive Health, UNFPA; AlignMNH Steering Committee Member on the health of adolescent girls:

The health of adolescent girls, including adolescent mothers, is often overlooked— especially during crises. This is a significant issue and requires urgent attention. In Malawi, where I worked as a health systems specialist for UNFPA, existing policies support adolescent access to essential health services. Yet Malawi continues to be among the countries with one of the highest adolescent birth rates regionally and globally, largely due to early marriages and limited educational opportunities. During crises, adolescent birth rates increase as access to education and healthcare services is often disrupted. This leaves adolescent girls vulnerable, as the lack of basic services exposes them to unplanned pregnancies. The collapse of social structures also magnifies inequities—making it harder for girls to avoid early pregnancies.

This highlights the importance of ensuring adolescents have access to healthcare and education (including outside of the formal health system), to promote health and safety and reduce early pregnancies. It also underscores the need to address inequalities that hinder access to services. For example, establishing safe spaces for adolescents where they can access health services, mental health support, and protection from violence is crucial. In addition, humanitarian policymakers and funding organizations can help by prioritizing resources for mobile clinics and outreach programs to deliver health information and services to adolescents. If we fail to provide these necessary services to adolescents, including adolescent mothers, during crises, the consequences will affect not just the young mothers, but entire communities and future generations.