MEXICO CITY, Sept. 26 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The executive director of the Pan American Health and Education Foundation (PAHEF), Mr. Edward Kadunc, participated in the launch of Teen Pregnancy Prevention Day activities in the Americas at an event at the Asturiano Center in Mexico City. He joined the Sub-secretary for Prevention and Promotion of the Secretariat of Health and other dignitaries from both the public and private sector in affirming the need for youth to know about making informed choices about contraception and preventing unwanted pregnancies.

Kadunc noted, “A comparative analysis of two Latin-American surveys about contraception trends found a decline in contraceptive use between 2000 and 2007. Further, other data show that 50% of teens less than 17 years old in Latin America have had sexual relations. Also in Latin America and the Caribbean 56% of teens that participate in sexual relations, 34% have given birth before they reached age 19. These data clearly show the need for coordinated efforts region wide to reduce unwanted pregnancies among youth.”

PAHEF is a partner in the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Day campaign in 18 countries of Latin America where the campaign is being celebrated. Moreover, it supports the countries’ efforts and those of the private sector to prevent unwanted pregnancies through accurate information on sexual health and contraceptive use focusing on communication towards and between teenagers with an emphasis on solutions.

The 18 Latin American countries join 52 other countries worldwide marking World Contraception Day of which the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Day campaign is part. Teens, celebrities, public health professionals, and the private sector in the 70 countries are involved in the campaign through educational activities and events.

The Pan American Health and Education Foundation is a US-based nonprofit organization working to combat disease, lengthen life, improve health care services, foster health research, and enhance the capacities of health care workers in the Americas through grant-making and direct program implementation. As an independent organization, PAHEF supports the Pan American Health Organization’s vision of Health for All.

To learn more about the Pan American Health and Education Foundation, please visit www.pahef.org.