Harnessing The Potential Demographic Dividend in Afghanistan Through Increased Family Planning Use

Low rates of contraceptive prevalence have a considerable impact on several aspects of health, social and economic development. Low use of contraceptives is linked with high rates of maternal mortality, as well as with increased child and infant mortality and lower female life expectancy. In terms of economic development, high rates of fertility tend to substantially limit women’s participation in education and in a productive workforce – with a direct impact on a country’s economy and social development. In this Policy Brief, we illustrate the effects that higher modern contraceptive rates would have on the health, population and the economy of Afghanistan, through the realisation of the demographic dividend.