Sexual and Reproductive Health Education for Adolescents: Need of the Hour

Today, globally the reproductive health of adolescents is of growing concern undeniably due to the alarming increases of sexual and reproductive health problems. Even though reproductive health care is a relatively new concept it is undoubtedly proven to be a very important component in general health. Reproductive health care is needed throughout life span of every individual specially women and precisely during adolescence since it is crucial during this period. Yet in most culture it is most prominently addressed during adulthood. Adolescence being the period of pubertal changes, sexual maturation, curiosity and experimentation make them vulnerable. Despite being acknowledge the special needs of adolescents are largely ignored due to the perpetuate idea of discussing anything related to sex is taboo. Without any or little knowledge from unreliable sources adolescents are exploring themselves in this field resulting in adolescent pregnancies, unsafe abortion, contracting STIs including HIV/AIDS further hinder in social and economic development of nation. The findings of various studies recommend one of the key actions needed to improve reproductive health is the empowerment of adolescents especially through education programmes. This paper draws attention to the urgent need of the intervention strategies aimed at enhancing adolescents' knowledge and bring desirable changes in their attitude thus to strengthen the quality of practices on reproductive health care.