Conceptualisation of Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Promotion for Human Capital Development

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to set out the conceptual linkage between sexual and reproduction health promotion for human capital development. It provides a two-stage conceptual framework which shows the linkage between adolescent sexual and reproductive health promotion and human capital development. The paper is a critical review of the concepts of adolescent sexual and reproductive health and its implication for human capital development. It reviews the conceptual framework of Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on factors that promote adolescent sexual and reproductive health; and constructs a framework that presents mechanisms through which socioeconomic development is achieved through improved human capital development. The analysis in this paper apparently indicates that sexual and reproductive health promotion is fundamental to the development of human capital. The inextricable link between sexual and reproductive health promotion and development of human capital is shown in the conceptual frameworks. First, individual, social and environmental factors lead to the promotion of sexual and reproductive health. Second, investments that promote adolescent sexual and reproductive health improve human capital by contributing to knowledge, skills, health, self-esteem and moral values. The paper advocates that sustainable investments that promote sexual and reproductive health improve human capital development in the long run.

Keywords: Adolescents, sexual and reproductive health, human capital development