Increase in Teenage Pregnancies Worries Experts

Various key stakeholders are worried with the rate of teenage pregnancy that has remained unchanged.

Speaking at an Inter-University Dialogue held at Kyambogo University over the weekend Jackson Chekweko, the Executive Director for Reproductive Health Uganda, said in the last Uganda Demographic Health survey, all other indicators, Uganda performed well, however, the rate of teenage pregnancy remained unchanged. 

“In the last Uganda Demographic Health survey, in all other indicators we performed well but one indicator that remained unchanged is the rate of teenage pregnancy Five years ago, we were at 24% and still we are at 24%. What have we not done right?,” Checkwech said.

Dr. Jessica Nsungwa , the Commissioner for Maternal Health, Ministry of Health, said the increase in HIV prevalence among adolescents, cases of unsafe abortion and teenage mothers are a result of inadequate sensitization,  especially on matters relating to sexual reproductive health.

“Sexual education involves very many topics that are helpful to young people at University, its through open dialogues like this that we can break barriers.” She said.

Meanwhile Chekwecho said platforms like the Inter-University dialogue, will help grow confidence but also draw young people together with policy makers, among others.

Peter Eceru, the program Coordinator for Advocacy at the Center for Health Human Rights and Development said it is high time the country stopped living in self-denial about what is happening.