THE UN projects that the world population will increase from 7.2 billion (in 2013) to 8.1bn in 2025, and 9.6bn in 2050 – posing major challenges in providing education and employment opportunities for youth between the ages of 15-24 years. A ‘rapid’ population growth rate is defined as an annual increase of 2pc, which doubles a population within 35 years.

In developing countries, women’s health is of critical importance. Educated women tend to have fewer children; smaller families are better able to invest in health and education. Investment in family planning can help stimulate development, as lowering the population growth rate reduces demand on already strained resources such as social services, water, food, housing, transportation and employment.

Mahmood Dadabhoy

Karachi

Published in Dawn, April 30th, 2016