Teen pregnancies need to be curbed

The problem of teenage pregnancy is an old one, which has proven difficult to contain over the years.

It is particularly concerning when there is a high rate of schoolgirl pregnancy in our country.

Our story yesterday highlighted the issue, which the authorities are grappling with at the moment.

Although the story focused entirely on Ohangwena Region, which has recorded about 900 schoolgoing mothers last year, the situation is just as bad countrywide.

In Ohangwena alone it is reported that 109 pupils fell pregnant in the first trimester this year.

Of the 109, 16 are learners attending primary school in the region, while 93 are at secondary schools.

It seems being pregnant in school has now become the norm.

We are a nation battling with unacceptably high HIV/Aids infections and the phenomenon of teenage pregnancies raises relevant questions on whether sex education is effective in our schools.

The high teen pregnancy rate has also resulted in many girls dropping out of school to stay home with their little ones even though there is a government policy in place which allows learner mothers to return to school.

There is nothing good about girls and boys having sex at an early age.

We have seen many incidences whereby teenage mothers don't graduate from high school, which in itself has long-term effects on them.

There is a need to really look at new workable solutions to curb teenage pregnancies in our country, because it seems social campaigns geared towards practicing safe sex are not effective enough to change reckless behaviour among young people.

This must be dealt with on a social level by addressing the root cause of teenage pregnancy in our communities.

It is also important to hold the boys and the men accountable for impregnating young girls.

However, the task to help reverse this disturbing trend should not be left to a few stakeholders.

Everyone needs to be involved and help raise awareness to reduce the prevalence of teen pregnancy.