Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health
Abstract
Child marriage affects 10 million girls under the age of 18 every year. The negative health
and social impact of child marriage include higher rates of maternal and infant mortality,
sexually transmitted infection, social separation, and domestic abuse compared with older
married women. The UN defines Child Marriage as a Human Rights violation and is working to
end this practice globally, however many girls still fall victim each year. While the importance
of ending the practice of child marriage cannot be overlooked, targeted interventions are also
needed to mitigate the negative health and development impacts. Health services can serve
as an entry point for health and social interventions to decrease the risks associated with
pregnancy and improve reproductive and child health. Health services can also facilitate
opportunities for multi-sectoral connections such as formal and informal education and
income generation to mitigate the negative impact of child marriage
