Currently, one-fifth of the population in South Asia is between the ages of 15 and 24. The large number of sexually active young people and prevalence of early marriage, gender discrimination, and illiteracy in Asia heightens young people’s risk of early pregnancy and childbirth, unsafe abortions and unhealthy sexual practices. In the Western Pacific region, young people are major contributors to the labor force and the economy. The ability of young people to contribute to their country’s economic prosperity, however, depends on their ability to avoid health risks, particularly those associated with their sexual and reproductive health.

This section of the Youth Policy Toolkit contains national policies, strategy documents, and other materials that support youth reproductive health policy and strive to improve youth reproductive health outcomes in Asia and the Pacific.