Government of Zimbabwe and UNFPA Launch Campaign to Combat Teenage Pregnancies.

By Tatenda Gabi

In a significant step towards addressing teenage pregnancies, the Government of Zimbabwe, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and various partners, commemorated World Population Day by launching the “Not-In-My-Village” campaign at Nzvimbo High School.

This year’s World Population Day theme, “Embracing the power of inclusive data towards a resilient and equitable future for all,” highlights the critical role of data in tackling pressing development challenges. The launch comes at a time of growing concern over rising teenage pregnancies, with alarming statistics revealed by the National Assessment on Adolescent Pregnancies in June 2023.

The assessment showed that 21% of antenatal care bookings were made by adolescents aged 10-19, amounting to approximately 358,458 pregnant teenagers from 1,560 health care facilities between 2019 and 2022. Additionally, the rate of teenage pregnancy has surged to 22%, up from 9% in 2016, exacerbated by the impacts of COVID-19.

The “Not-In-My-Village” campaign aims to empower young people to take the lead in community efforts to combat teenage pregnancies. Spearheaded by the Young People’s Network on Sexual and Reproductive Health, the initiative involves collaboration with traditional leaders and local communities.

In a keynote address delivered by Health Minister Hon. Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, President Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa emphasized the need for joint efforts among government, civil society, and communities to create a supportive environment for youth. “We must work together to ensure every young person thrives, free from violence, with access to education and healthcare,” he stated.

The campaign is supported by several initiatives, including the Health Resilience Fund and the Safeguard Young People Programme, which focus on improving the health and wellbeing of young people.

UNFPA Representative Ms. Miranda Tabifor highlighted the importance of data in shaping effective policies to address teenage pregnancies. “Evidence-based actions are crucial for making informed decisions that cater to the needs of our youth,” she remarked.

The event was attended by various development partners, including representatives from the Governments of Ireland, Britain, Sweden, and the European Union, all of whom expressed their commitment to supporting the campaign’s goals.

By launching the “Not-In-My-Village” campaign, Zimbabwe takes a proactive stance in empowering youth and fostering an environment where they can reach their full potential.