- Wa East faces a concerning surge in teenage pregnancy
- 147 cases reported in the first quarter of this year alone
- He highlighted lack of parental care as key contributor
The Wa East District in Ghana’s Upper West Region is facing a concerning surge in teenage pregnancy.
With 147 cases reported in the first quarter of this year alone, the numbers represent a 16% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
This trend continues a worrying pattern, exceeding figures from both 2022 and 2023.
Several factors are contributing to this rise, according to Mr. Stephen Sunkari, the Acting District Director of Health Service.
He highlighted poverty, lack of parental care, and child marriage as key contributors.
He also addressed the sensitive issue of access to sanitary pads, revealing that some girls become vulnerable due to the inability to afford basic necessities.
Mr. Sunkari emphasized the importance of open communication. Traditionally, discussions about sexual and reproductive health are often taboo within families.
This lack of knowledge can lead teenagers to make risky choices.
The fight against teenage pregnancy requires a collective effort, Mr. Sunkari stressed. He urged parents to be more involved in their children’s lives and called upon traditional and religious leaders to become active participants in finding solutions.
Upgrading healthcare facilities, particularly the Bulenga Health Centre, was also proposed as a way to improve access to adolescent reproductive health services.
The Speaker of the Upper West Regional Youth Parliament, Mr. James Baba Anabiga, offered additional suggestions.
He proposed a ban on night gatherings and clubbing in the district, believing these activities contribute to the rise in teenage pregnancies.
He also commended healthcare providers for their ongoing educational efforts and urged them to continue raising awareness about the dangers of teenage pregnancy and the importance of adolescent sexual and reproductive health education.
