Media statement 16 January 2024
Cllr Rina Marx
MMC for Health
As the new school year commences, the City of Tshwane Health Department has noted with concern trends pointing to significant numbers of teenage pregnancies in South Africa. Teenage or adolescent pregnancy refers to pregnancy within the 10-to-19-year age group. In December 2023, the national Department of Health raised concerns about the rate of teenage pregnancies across the country. In Tshwane, 4 444 deliveries were recorded at public sector facilities in 2023.
Our Health Department would like to draw attention to this issue with the aim of creating greater awareness of teenage health. Teenage pregnancies can be attributed to a number of factors, such as unsafe sexual practices, peer pressure, gender-based violence, drug and substance abuse, poverty, lack of knowledge about fertility and non-consensual sex, to name a few. This heightens the risk of teenage girls contracting HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or complications from pregnancy and childbirth. In addition, the prospects of teenage mothers returning to school is also limited, impeding their ability to further their education.
As part of its own health-promotion activities, the City of Tshwane Health Department hosts outreach programmes with the aim of creating greater awareness of teenage pregnancies. In addition, adolescents, youths, caregivers and parents can visit the nearest public health facility of their choice if they require assistance with health education, screening, reproductive health services or medical assistance.
As the MMC for Health, I believe that we have a collective responsibility to reverse the trend of teenage pregnancies. Education is key. Boys and men should be included in programmes about teenage pregnancy and be a part of the solution. They can also access the services provided by the Health Department. I am encouraged by the role played by civil society and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in supporting teenage girls and educating all communities about teenage pregnancies.
Media enquiries: Natashia Chhiba (natashiach@tshwane.gov.za)