Let's Talk About Health - Ep. 32: Mothers Too Soon

Each year, around 1.6 million adolescents aged 15 to 19 become mothers in Latin America and the Caribbean—a region with some of the highest rates of adolescent pregnancy in the world. In this episode of the *Hablemos de salud* (Let's Talk Health) podcast, we speak with Sonja Caffe, Regional Advisor on Adolescent Health at PAHO, about the causes, consequences, and challenges surrounding this public health issue.

The conversation examines how factors such as poverty, social exclusion, a lack of access to information and health services, and sexual violence contribute to adolescent pregnancy. It also highlights the progress made by countries in the region and the actions needed to accelerate advancement, particularly among the most vulnerable populations. The episode underscores the importance of ensuring education, protection, opportunities, and access to quality health services so that adolescent girls can fully realize their life plans and exercise their rights.