Angela Okech, an FPNN Reporting Fellow, ICFP 2022 EXCELL award winner, and ICFP 2022 Media Scholar, features Performance Monitoring for Action (PMA) data in her recently published article in the Nation, in observance of World Population Day earlier this month.
The article “Population Boom: Is it Africa’s Turn for a Two-Child Limit Policy?” follows the discussions held at Malawi’s 9th African Population Conference this past May in Lilongwe. The conference brought together policymakers, researchers, and academia to debate whether African countries should adopt policies to reduce birth rates to replacement fertility levels.
Earth is a finite place. The more people who inhabit it, the more they must compete for its resources. Yet Africa’s population continues to expand rapidly — the continent has the world’s highest fertility rates. And thus the big question lingers — are African nations ready to pursue policies to lower birth rates? – Angela Okech
Okech’s article explores the complexities surrounding Africa’s high fertility rates, which average five children per woman. It examines various perspectives on managing population growth in the context of economic and social challenges. Highlighting data from PMA, the article underscores the importance of family planning services in achieving lower fertility rates and improving overall health and financial well-being.
This reporting was made possible through the Family Planning News Network Reporting Fellowship, of which Angela was one of the inaugural recipients.
To read the full article, visit the Nation.
