GHS, Tongu Council of Chiefs unite to combat alarming teenage pregnancy cases in South Tongu District
The South Tongu District Health Directorate and the Tongu Council of Chiefs have taken strides to clamp down on teenage pregnancy in the district.
This followed the escalating rate of the menace in the district, prompting a concerted effort to address the issue.
According to Madam Rachelle Elikem Zewu, a Public Health Nurse in the District, the statistics were staggering: in the year 2021, 128 girls aged 10-19 became pregnant, amounting to 14.3%.
In 2022, 100 girls were affected, representing 12%; and in 2023, the number rose to 120, equivalent to 13.5%.
The first quarter of 2024 has already seen a 15.6% rate of teenage girl pregnancy.
Madam Zewu attributed the high incidence to unprotected sexual activities, socioeconomic hardships, and migration.
The situation is further compounded by the prevalence of substance abuse, sexual and gender-based violence, and lack of adolescent-friendly services in communities and schools in South Tongu.
She disclosed that the consequences of teenage pregnancy were severe, with many of the girls facing eclampsia, premature births, difficult labor, depression, and sexually transmitted diseases.
“This menace not only harms the young girls but also leads to school dropouts, thereby crippling their future prospects,” she added.
Madam Mavis Agumeh, the District Health Director told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that her outfit would continue to intensify adolescent health education in public organizations and also engage in intensive outreach programs in schools.
Madam Agumeh emphasized the need for parents to provide sexual orientation to their children at home.
Zikpitorga Awuku Doe Atakli, the Paramount Stool Father of the Fievie Traditional Area, pledged on behalf of the Tongu Council of Chiefs to collaborate with the Ghana Health Service in combating the escalating menace.
Zikpitorga Awuku stressed the importance of collective effort in addressing the problem and ensuring the future well-being of the children.
He urged all relevant stakeholders and corporate Ghana for a united front to tackle the root causes of teenage girl pregnancy in the district and also urged parents to join forces in providing adolescent-friendly services, education, and support to every girl child.
Story by GNA | Kekeli K. Blamey
