WHO Warns of "Dismaying" Decline in Adolescent Condom Use Across Europe
A new report from the WHO Regional Office for Europe reveals a significant and alarming decline in condom use among 15-year-olds since 2014. The study, which surveyed over 242,000 adolescents across 42 countries, found that this drop is putting young people at greater risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies.
Key Findings on a Worrying Trend
The report highlights several concerning trends in adolescent sexual health:
- Sharp Decline in Condom Use: The percentage of sexually active boys who used a condom at their last sexual encounter dropped from 70% in 2014 to 61% in 2022. For girls, this figure fell from 63% to 57%.
- High Rates of Unprotected Sex: Nearly a third of all adolescents (30%) reported not using a condom or the contraceptive pill during their last sexual encounter. This number has remained stagnant since 2018.
- Socioeconomic Disparities: Adolescents from lower-income families are more likely to have unprotected sex than their more affluent peers, indicating a need for equitable access to education and resources.
The Urgent Need for Comprehensive Sex Education
According to the WHO, the widespread decline in condom use and high rates of unprotected sex point to major gaps in comprehensive sexuality education and access to contraception.
Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, described the findings as "dismaying," noting that the neglect of proper sex education is now leading to negative health outcomes. "Equipping young persons with the right knowledge at the right time leads to optimal health outcomes linked to responsible behavior and choices," he stated.
Echoing this sentiment, Éabha, a 16-year-old from Ireland, emphasized the importance of education that covers everything from consent to contraception so that young people can make informed decisions and protect themselves.
Dr. András Költő, the report's lead author, underscored that education must go beyond just providing information. He stressed the need for "safe spaces to discuss issues like consent, intimate relationships, gender identity, and sexual orientation," along with fostering crucial life skills such as transparent communication and decision-making.
A Call to Action for Policy-makers and Educators
The report urges policymakers, educators, and healthcare providers to take immediate action to address these trends. Recommendations include:
- Investing in Education: Implement and fund comprehensive sexuality education programs in schools that cover a wide range of topics, including STIs, healthy relationships, and gender equality.
- Improving Access to Services: Ensure adolescents have confidential, affordable, and youth-friendly access to sexual health services.
- Fostering Open Dialogue: Encourage honest conversations about sexual health within families, schools, and communities to reduce stigma.
Dr. Margreet de Looze, a co-author of the report, described the findings as a "catalyst for action." She concluded, "Adolescents deserve the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their sexual health... What we need, though, is the political will and the resources to make it happen."
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