Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
THE Government has launched a Multi-Sectoral Framework on the Prevention and Management of Adolescent Pregnancies, targeting a 10 percent reduction in teenage pregnancies over the next four years.
The initiative comes amid growing concern over rising adolescent pregnancy rates, which increased from nine percent in 2016 to 22 percent in 2023. Teenage girls are also estimated to account for about 25 percent of maternal deaths nationally.
The framework was launched in Goromonzi, where 19-year-old Chantel Mapamba shared her experience of falling pregnant as a teenager.
“When I discovered that I was pregnant, I wanted to take my own life or terminate the pregnancy. I fell pregnant because of peer pressure and my desire to fit in with others. I wanted to have material possessions, including an iPhone. My advice to other young people is that they should not allow themselves to be influenced into bad behaviour because of the desire for material things.”
The new framework seeks to strengthen coordination among government ministries, communities, schools, parents, traditional leaders and development partners in addressing adolescent pregnancies.
Mashonaland East Provincial Chiefs’ Council Chairperson, Chief Nechombo described teenage pregnancies as a threat to development and reaffirmed traditional leaders’ commitment to the campaign against the scourge.
“Teenage pregnancies are counter-development. As the primary safeguards, we are committed to promoting the ‘Not in Our Family, Not in Our Wards and Not in Our Great Nation’ campaign.”
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative, Ms Miranda Tabifor hailed the initiative as a major milestone in protecting young people.
“This is a landmark initiative in Zimbabwe. Adolescent pregnancy is a delicate issue, hence our support as the UN family.”
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education says it is reinforcing efforts to create safer learning environments through awareness campaigns and policy interventions.
Chief Director in the ministry, Mrs Anatoria Ncube, announced the launch of the Not in My School campaign and highlighted ongoing reviews of programmes addressing teenage pregnancies, early marriages, HIV and AIDS, and drug and substance abuse.
Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Itayi Ndudzo said the province is complementing national efforts through the Not in My Province, District and Family campaign.
Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Honourable Tino Machakaire said adolescent pregnancy has far-reaching consequences beyond health concerns.
“Adolescent pregnancy is not merely a health concern; it is a social risk, economic and developmental challenge that affects families, communities and the nation.”
He noted that early parenthood often disrupts education, limits opportunities and entrenches poverty and inequality.
Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Honourable Edgar Moyo said Zimbabwe has strengthened child protection through legislative reforms, including amendments to the Children’s Act and complementary provisions in related laws.
However, he warned that child sexual abuse and exploitation remain prevalent despite these advances.
“Notwithstanding these achievements, cases of child sexual abuse and exploitation are remarkably high, driven by multiple and complex factors.”
Government says the framework marks a significant step towards a coordinated national response aimed at reducing adolescent pregnancies and safeguarding the future of young people across the country.
