Barriers and Facilitators for Child Marriage in Four Developing Countries

Abstract: Under the umbrella of World Vision’s groundbreaking work in Child Protection (CP) and the Enhancing Nutrition Services to improve Maternal and Child Health in Asia and Africa (ENRICH) Program, a Global Affairs Canada funded maternal and child health and nutrition program in Bangladesh, Kenya, Myanmar and Tanzania, the marriage of children under 18 is of great concern. The marriage of young girls increases the risk of early pregnancy and complications during pregnancy and delivery which contributes to both maternal mortality and infant / child mortality. It has long been established that the lower the education level of the mother, the weaker the health indicators of the child. Therefore, delaying marriage among young girls with the expressed purpose of keeping them in formal education systems as well as delaying fecundity has the potential to impact relevant maternal and child health and nutrition (MCH/N) indicators as well as uphold the basic human right to education and overall well-being.