GAUTENG. – The Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has called for communities to fight against the scourge of teenage pregnancy.
This was highlighted recently when the MEC assessed the state of readiness at various Gauteng Schools.
The department states that statistics on the number of teenagers giving birth at various facilities are alarming.
“In this current financial year, over 13 700 babies were born to teenage mothers across public health facilities in the province.
“In an effort to address this issue, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has established Youth Zones within some facilities, which are safe spaces offering Youth Friendly Services, dedicated for the youth, mended by young healthcare workers to address health issues affecting both young males and females.”
The department has partnered with stakeholders such as Love Life, Wits RHI, Shout it Now, Anova, Soul City, Triggerise, Mobile Health Clinics, and #KeReady to promote health amongst learners and youth.
Together with departments of Social Development, Basic Education, and multiple other stakeholders, the GDoH says it will this year intensify integrated interventions to address the factors contributing to the scourge of teenage pregnancy.
“The challenge of teenage pregnancy is a societal one and requires a transdisciplinary and collective approach. All sectors of society must play an active role in addressing this pandemic effectively.
“I would like to urge every member of society to join hands with the government in empowering our learners with information that will enable them to make informed decisions without jeopardizing their future”, said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.
Other issues that were raised include the rise in incidents of learner suicides, substance abuse, gangsterism, and bullying.
“These social ills pose a direct threat to the safety and well-being of our children. It is therefore imperative that we take a united stand against them and work towards eradicating them from our schools.”
