PPASL Organizes Symposium For University Students On World Population Day
By Marilyn King
In commemoration of World Population Day, the Planned Parenthood Association of Sierra Leone (PPASL) organized a one-day symposium for university students at GGEMS Hall in Freetown on Thursday, 11th July 2024. The event aimed to educate students about the effects of global population dynamics.
Dr. Sarian Karmara, Executive Director of PPASL, highlighted the significance of World Population Day, an annual event observed on July 11th to raise awareness of global population issues. She noted that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) established World Population Day in 1989, making this year the 35th anniversary of its inception. The theme for this year, “Leave No One Behind, Count Everyone,” underscores the importance of inclusive population censuses.
Dr. Karmara emphasized that the celebration aims to spotlight crucial issues such as reproductive health, gender equality, and access to family planning services. She reiterated PPASL’s commitment to promoting reproductive health services, including contraception and education.
Buyah Lamin Bangura, President of Youth Action Movement Sierra Leone (YAMSAL), pointed out that Africa, and specifically Sierra Leone, has a predominantly youthful population. He highlighted the high fertility rate in Sierra Leone and the economic difficulties faced by the youth, including unemployment and the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with a notable 1.8% HIV prevalence among young people.
Buyah Lamin Bangura stressed the importance of inclusivity and urged young people to see themselves as vital contributors to society.
Tim Kargbo, Director of Programs at PPASL, provided statistical insights into global and local population figures. He stated that the world population stands at 8.1 billion, with India having the highest population at 1.428 billion, followed by China at 1.425 billion, and the United States at 339 million. Sierra Leone’s population is 8.8 million, with 33% (approximately 2.9 million) being youth. He noted that 3.8 million people reside in urban areas, including Makeni, Kenema, and Kailahun, while 2 million live in the capital city, Freetown. Women make up 51% of the population.
Tim Kargbo also mentioned the responsibility of UNDP in compiling global statistics from various countries. He highlighted key statistics for Sierra Leone, including an infant mortality rate of 73.3 per 100,000 live births, a teenage pregnancy rate of 20%, and a contraception prevalence rate of 64% among married women.
The symposium concluded with a lively question-and-answer session, allowing students to engage with the speakers and deepen their understanding of population issues.
