Significance of Girls Health and Education for Maternal and Child Health and Girls Empowerment

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) achieved social and economic development with its clear and measureable indicators; however, much more efforts are required in terms of ‘Maternal and Child Health (MCH)’. The research team in Ewha Womans University that is led by prof. Eun Mee Kim argues that girls under 18 are at risk of early pregnancy and childbirth in developing countries. Girls under 15 are, especially, categorized as high-risk mothers, implying how girls’ health status can affect their health condition and mortality rate. Regarding medical services, girls are often excluded from global public health projects and ODA projects targeting teenagers. The research team articulates the missing link between girls’ health and education. They assert the importance of girls’ education by examining its impact on equality and empowerment of girls, and ultimately development of the nation. Comprehensive health and education of girls are prerequisites for promoting healthy society and economic development.