Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton today said in October the world’s population is expected to exceed 7 billion.
“While many people are living longer and healthier lives, this simple fact underscores the critical importance of addressing poverty, inequality, lack of education, and poor healthcare that still impact billions of people.” -Ms. Clinton
According to Ms. Clinton, programs that promote increased access to reproductive health care for women and girls in particular can lead the way to a healthier future for all.
Ms. Clinton said investing in women and girls is cost-effective and essential to solving the world’s problems. She added that with half of the world’s population under the age of 25, the world must also harness the positive force of the world’s youth to meet the needs of 7 billion people.
She highlighted that when young people claim their right to education and health – including sexual and reproductive health -they increase their opportunities to become a powerful force for economic development and positive change.
“On this World Population Day we must redouble our efforts for the health and well-being of women and families around the world.” -Ms. Clinton
Ms. Clinton stressed that the United States is committed to working with other governments across the globe and with its international and nongovernmental partners to meet the opportunities and challenges of population growth.
