KI researcher contributed important research to Musikhjälpen
Anna Kågesten, Associate Professor in Global Health at the Department of Global Public Health, was one of the expert guests in Musikhjälpen’s booth at Stora Torget in Sundsvall this year. Over 60 million kronor was raised for organisations working to reduce maternal mortality worldwide. Anna contributed research and knowledge based on her work focusing on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) among young people globally.
One group that stands out in the statistics is young girls ages 15-19, where maternal mortality remaining a leading cause of death.
Anna Kågesten, Docent atDepartment of Global Public Health, explains that young people are particularly affected due to a combination of physical and social/structural factors, and largely reflect prevailing gender inequities and lack of prioritization of women and girl’s human rights. The risk of complications related to pregnancy and childbearing is particularly high for girls under 15 years whose reproductive systems are still developing, but who are often missing from statistics. Anna also discussed the connection with child marriage, which is both a risk factor and consequence of teenage pregnancy and largely affects girl’s educational and economic opportunities.
Watch the full interview from Musikhjälpen for more information on research and knowledge about stigma, norms, need for sexuality education, and positive global trends.