Rising teenage pregnancy rates spark nationwide concern

Sixteen babies were born to teenage mothers within just five days - a situation Dr David Emvula, a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist at Windhoek Central Hospital, has called distressing.

According to him, in recent months, Windhoek state hospitals have seen an increase in teenage pregnancies, a trend that has ignited grave concern among healthcare workers. A pregnancy is considered a teenage pregnancy when the mother is under the age of 19.

Recent data on teenage pregnancy rates has led to urgent calls for a renewed focus on prevention, education and support systems.

Emvula stressed that the statistics are “not just numbers”, but represent the lives of young girls who face serious risks and challenges due to early pregnancies.



Dramatic increase

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Namibia reported that the teenage pregnancy rate had reached a troubling 19% in 2017, meaning nearly one in five teenage girls in the country was affected.

In the Zambezi Region alone, 147 teenagers fell pregnant during the first term of this year. The education ministry's reports further reveal a dramatic increase in pregnancy-related school dropouts, from 1 560 in 2019 to 3 658 in 2021.

This 134.5% increase over the course of two years can have a negative impact on the education of young girls, as has been stated multiple times by executive director Sanet Steenkamp.



Comprehensive sex education

Several factors may contribute to this rising trend, with the lack of comprehensive sex education being a major concern.

“Many schools are still not providing thorough sex education. This leaves teenagers with insufficient knowledge about contraception and sexual health, making them more vulnerable to unplanned pregnancies,” Emvula said.

Since Namibian independence, the ministry of education has standardised comprehensive sex education (CSE). CSE is supposed to be taught in all state schools to help learners understand not just the physical implications of sexual intercourse, but also the emotional and social effects. However, often teachers default to 'abstinence only' education, preaching "just don't do it!", according to a few learners interviewed.

A teacher at Windhoek Technical High School said they find it difficult to properly teach CSE because of the social stigma that surrounds the topic. “It is difficult to fully prepare learners when everyone is too shy to talk about it,” life skills educator Irene Nel said.



Impact of socioeconomic backgrounds

Others have pointed out that economic imbalance has its part to play, as teenagers from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to experience unplanned pregnancies. This is due to limited access to healthcare and educational resources, according to Emvula.

Social and cultural influences, such as peer pressure, media portrayals and societal attitudes towards teenage pregnancy, further exacerbate the issue.

The consequences of teenage pregnancy are far-reaching. Pregnant teenagers often face issues, namely interrupted education, limited career opportunities and serious medical complications such as pre-term labour, hypertension and postpartum bleeding.

Emvula stressed that the medical complications can be life-threatening and require immediate attention and resources.

“We must create an environment where teenage pregnancies are not only prevented, but where those who do face these challenges are given the support they need to succeed," the doctor urged.