YANGON, July 12 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar Vice President U Myint Swe has called for effective use of youth force in the country's development projects at a time when Myanmar is achieving population benefit, according to the Ministry of Labor, Immigration and Population on Friday.
Based on 2014 census data, Myanmar's population was estimated to be more than 54 million in 2019 and would be more than 59 million in 2030.
At the World Population Day 2019 event held in Nay Pyi Taw on Thursday, U Myint Swe stressed the need for preparation on strengthening social protection system to cope with the increasing number of elderlies in the future.
Ever since acceding to the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), Myanmar has been implementing the work guidelines and is able to reduce maternal mortalities from 453 in 100,000 live births in 1999 to 282 according to 2014 census, he said, adding that under 2015-16 Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey, it was further reduced to 178. However, this number is still high.
As reproductive health care opportunities to be within reach, Myanmar's first policy on sexual and reproductive health and rights is being drawn up, he said.
To uplift family planning, health care and the lives of women in the country, Myanmar made a commitment in November 2013 for family planning 2020 and usage of contraceptive medicines in married women rose from 16 percent in 1991 to 51 percent according to the 2015-16 Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey, he said.
However, the vice president said that there is much remaining to be done.
