Sixteen babies born to teens in just five days
Rising teenage pregnancy rates spark national concern
In recent months, a troubling rise of teenage pregnancy has emerged at Windhoek’s state hospitals, igniting a wave of concern among healthcare workers.This increase has prompted calls for a renewed focus on prevention, education, and support systems.
Data from UNFPA Namibia reveals a concerning teenage pregnancy rate of 19%. That’s nearly one out five teen girls. According to the education ministry, 147 teenagers became pregnant during the first term of this year in the Zambezi region. Just a week ago at Katutura State Hospital, 16 babies were born to teenage mothers within five days.
Reports from the education ministry showed that the number of pregnancy-related school dropouts increased from 1 560 in 2019 to 2 291 in 2020 and 3 658 in 2021.
Underlying issues
Several factors contribute to the increase in teenage pregnancies. Experts point to a combination of social, economic, and educational factors, including:
• Lack of comprehensive sex education: Many schools are still not providing thorough sex education, leaving teenagers with insufficient knowledge about contraception and sexual health.
• Economic disparities: Teenagers from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to experience unplanned pregnancies due to limited access to healthcare and educational resources, as well as economic dependence.
• Social and cultural influences: Peer pressure, media portrayals, and cultural attitudes towards teenage pregnancy also play significant roles.
Impact
The consequences of teenage pregnancy are far-reaching. Pregnant teenagers often face significant challenges, including interrupted education, limited career opportunities, and increased serious medical complications associated with teenage pregnancy and childbirth, which are caesarean sections; preterm labour resulting in babies being admitted to neonatal ICU; hypertension in pregnancy; postpartum haemorrhage, which can sometimes result in a womb removal; and maternal and perinatal mortality.
Communities also bear the burden, with increased demand for social services and support programmes. Schools, healthcare systems, and social services are often stretched thin as they attempt to address the needs of young families.
Call to action
To combat this rising trend, possible solutions call for a multifaceted approach:
• Enhanced education programmes: Schools need to implement comprehensive sex education that covers not only the biological aspects of reproduction but also the emotional and social dimensions. The health ministry must put programmes in place to retain scholars and strategies to prevent unintended or early fatherhood.
• Increased access to healthcare: Ensuring that teenagers have access to affordable contraception and reproductive health services in respectful, patient-centred care and creating an enabling, adolescent and youth-friendly environment at our health facilities.
• Support for at-risk youth: Programmes that provide mentorship, counselling, and support for teens in vulnerable situations can help prevent early pregnancies and provide guidance for those who are already pregnant.
• The legal and justice system: Raising awareness about the legal consequences of statutory rape can serve as a deterrent and be efficient where crimes of statutory rape and GBV have been proven.
Looking ahead
As the nation grapples with this issue, there is hope that a renewed focus on education, prevention, and support can lead to positive changes. By addressing the root causes and providing adequate resources, it is possible to turn the tide and ensure that young people have the knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions about their futures.
The focus must remain on creating an environment where teenage pregnancies are not only prevented but where those who do face these challenges are given the support they need to succeed. We have a collective responsibility to ensure that every teenager has the opportunity to thrive, free from the challenges of early pregnancy.
*Dr David N. Emvula is a Specialist Obstetrician & Gynecologist and head of the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at the Windhoek Central Hospital
**Opinion pieces and letters by the public do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial team. The editors reserve the right to abridge original texts. All newspapers of Namibia Media Holdings adhere to the Code of Ethics for Namibian Media, a code established jointly with the Media Ombudsman.