A call to aid young women
Statistics show staggering rates of teenage pregnancies
World Health Organisation (WHO) and Namibian statistics indicate a worryingly high rate of teenage pregnancies in developing countries such as Namibia, where almost 2 500 cases of teenage pregnancies of girls and teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17 were reported in the first two months of 2022.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Namibian statistics show a staggering rate of teenage pregnancies in third world countries, such as Namibia with statistics showing that almost 2500 cases of teenage pregnancies of girls between 12 and 17 have been recorded in the first two months of 2022.
A report released by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has found that a third of women in the developed world give birth in their adolescent years. Girls in developed countries have long been exposed to outdated, traditional means of survival such as underage and arranged marriages.
Statistics presented by the ministry of health and social services indicated that teenage pregnancy remains a concern for Namibia as 2 465 pregnancies amongst young girls were reported in the country between January and February. The statistics further indicated that the Kavango East, Ohangwena and Omusati regions recorded the highest rates in the first two months of 2022, with the regions having recorded 342, 375 and 308 teenage pregnancies respectively.
Too young
After having their first child, additional pregnancies are common among young mothers, the UNFPA report stated.
Among girls with a first birth at 14, or younger, nearly three-quarters also have a second birth later in adolescence, and 40% of those with two births, progress to a third birth before leaving the teen years.
“When nearly a third of all women in developing countries are becoming mothers during adolescence, it is clear the world is failing adolescent girls,” said UNFPA executive director Dr Natalia Kanem.
“The repeat pregnancies we see among adolescent mothers are a glaring signpost that they desperately need sexual and reproductive health information and services,” he furthered.
Minister of health and social services Dr Kalumbi Shangula shared similar sentiments on the matter at the recently celebrated world population day in Rundu, where he said an estimated 121 million women become pregnant - who did not plan to have a child at that time, with that partner and under those circumstances.
"In 2019 alone, 1 542 girls dropped out of school because of teenage pregnancy. We have talked enough. Now is the time to act, because the magnitude of the problem requires concrete action from every Namibian citizen, as government alone cannot solve this challenge," said Shangula.
A report released by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has found that a third of women in the developed world give birth in their adolescent years. Girls in developed countries have long been exposed to outdated, traditional means of survival such as underage and arranged marriages.
Statistics presented by the ministry of health and social services indicated that teenage pregnancy remains a concern for Namibia as 2 465 pregnancies amongst young girls were reported in the country between January and February. The statistics further indicated that the Kavango East, Ohangwena and Omusati regions recorded the highest rates in the first two months of 2022, with the regions having recorded 342, 375 and 308 teenage pregnancies respectively.
Too young
After having their first child, additional pregnancies are common among young mothers, the UNFPA report stated.
Among girls with a first birth at 14, or younger, nearly three-quarters also have a second birth later in adolescence, and 40% of those with two births, progress to a third birth before leaving the teen years.
“When nearly a third of all women in developing countries are becoming mothers during adolescence, it is clear the world is failing adolescent girls,” said UNFPA executive director Dr Natalia Kanem.
“The repeat pregnancies we see among adolescent mothers are a glaring signpost that they desperately need sexual and reproductive health information and services,” he furthered.
Minister of health and social services Dr Kalumbi Shangula shared similar sentiments on the matter at the recently celebrated world population day in Rundu, where he said an estimated 121 million women become pregnant - who did not plan to have a child at that time, with that partner and under those circumstances.
"In 2019 alone, 1 542 girls dropped out of school because of teenage pregnancy. We have talked enough. Now is the time to act, because the magnitude of the problem requires concrete action from every Namibian citizen, as government alone cannot solve this challenge," said Shangula.
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