Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba
Leaders and influencers have been called upon to champion efforts to reduce the high rate of teenage pregnancy and unmet family planning needs in Zimbabwe.
Statistics show that teenage pregnancy currently stands at 28 percent, while the unmet need for family planning is at 9.6 percent.
This was highlighted by the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) Midlands Provincial Manager, Ms Karen Dzvuke, during the signing ceremony of a memorandum of agreement between ZNFPC and Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health (ASRH) Champion, radio personality Elias Maginya, known as DJ Vas Mushurugwi, and Family Planning Champion, Ms Mercury Chanetsa, in Gweru.
“Today’s event marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to promote family planning and Adolescent and Sexual Reproductive Health in our province as we engage Champions,” she said.
Ms Dzvuke explained that the engagement of Champions aims to increase awareness and access to family planning and ASRH services, particularly among vulnerable populations, in the spirit of leaving no one and no place behind.
“Allow me to welcome and introduce to you our Provincial FP Champion Ms Mercury Chanetsa and our ASRH Champion Mr Elias Maginya, popularly known as DJ Vas. For Mr Maginya, it is a second term — a testimony that during your previous term you did well, hence the re-engagement,” she said.
Ms Dzvuke added that their engagement follows a consultative process with stakeholders leading to their selection.
“We believe that, through this engagement, we will strengthen our partnerships and work together to improve health outcomes and empower individuals to make informed choices in the different communities of our province,” she said.
She also noted the focus on innovative strategies to reach more people, address cultural and social barriers, and ensure that everyone has access to quality family planning and ASRH services.
“So to our Champions, among the challenges we hope you will also champion, teenage pregnancy is currently high at 28 percent. The unmet need for family planning, which is at 9.6 percent, requires us to target all underserved areas with information and services, myths, and misconceptions regarding the use of family planning, especially the Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives,” she said.
Mr Maginya said he was honored and grateful to accept the role of ASRH Champion for the Midlands for the year 2026 to 2027.
“This is not just a title; it is a commitment to serve our youth, to listen to their voices, and to advocate for their rights to safe and informed sexual and reproductive health,” he said.
He identified topical challenges affecting youth, including myths and misconceptions about contraceptives, drug and substance abuse, teenage pregnancies, child marriages, and sexual abuse.
“I will engage with local and national policymakers to ensure that the voices of adolescents are heard in decisions that affect their health and futures. Together, we can push for policies that support comprehensive sexual and reproductive health initiatives. For example, the urgent one is to have friendly, affordable rehabilitation centers in the province,” he said.
