Story by Providence Maraneli
HEALTH stakeholders have raised concern over persistently high teenage pregnancy rates in Matabeleland South Province, where the incidence exceeds 27 percent, significantly above the national average of 23 percent.
Statistics from the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) show that 40 percent of the province’s 190 000 women of childbearing age are not using modern family planning methods, with many not actively participating in family planning programmes.
The figures have heightened concerns over child sexual exploitation, early sexual activity and limited uptake of reproductive health services among young people.
ZNFPC Matabeleland South Provincial Manager, Mr Blessed Gumbi said teenage pregnancies remain one of the province’s most pressing public health challenges.
“What is worrying, particularly regarding family planning, is the high incidence of teenage pregnancies. This means many young people are becoming sexually active at an early age, exposing them to risks such as school dropouts, sexually transmitted infections and HIV.
“In addition, men are not participating sufficiently in family planning initiatives. There is still a need for intensified awareness campaigns within communities,” he said.
In response, the Ministry of Health and Child Care says it is strengthening maternal healthcare services and expanding access to reproductive health interventions across the province.
Matabeleland South Provincial Medical Director, Dr Andrew Muza said notable progress has been made in improving healthcare delivery and managing pregnancy-related complications.
“As a province, we have made significant progress in improving access to care. This is one of the key pillars of service delivery and includes strengthening health infrastructure.
“We have upgraded our theatres to cater for pregnant women and trained healthcare personnel to manage complications during pregnancy, including cases involving teenagers,” he said.
Despite the challenges, authorities say the province has recorded positive gains through programmes aimed at reducing HIV infections, teenage pregnancies and drug and substance abuse among young people.
Stakeholders maintain that strengthening community awareness, increasing male participation in family planning and improving access to reproductive health services will be critical in reducing teenage pregnancies and safeguarding the future of young people in the province.
