Children works with governments, civil society and communities to ensure adequate food and nutrient intake in pregnant and lactating women and young children, effective infant and young child feeding and care practices and the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Save the Children supports immediate and exclusive breastfeeding through the age of six months, and continued breastfeeding through the age of two years. We foster collaboration across sectors and roll out guidance on Infant and Young Child feeding. We advocate for effective policy and financing to address malnutrition in children.1e:T69f,

Adolescent pregnancy remains a pressing concern for girls in the Southeast Asia region, hampering their ability to pursue their dreams and aspirations. The Understanding Pathways to Adolescent Pregnancy in Southeast Asia reports bring attention to the specific contexts, dynamics and influences that contribute to adolescent pregnancy in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Lao PDR.

These qualitative studies identify patterns driving adolescent pregnancy commonly found among adolescent girls, including those determined by their relationship or marital status, the extent of the girls’ autonomy in decision making and whether the context of sex leading to the pregnancy was consensual. Through these reports, girls have expressed their concerns and recommendations to decision-makers to recognize the implications of adolescent pregnancy for girls like them. The reports also underscore the importance of adolescent-responsive health services, comprehensive sexuality education, supportive relationships, and enabling environments that empower girls to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and lives.

These four country case studies build on the recommendation of the UNFPA-UNICEF joint report, “Beyond Marriage and Motherhood” containing