Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza in Lupane
UMGUZA, one of the seven districts in Matabeleland North Province, recorded the highest number of child pregnancies in the period from 2023 to March 2025.
This was revealed in a National Aids Council organised “Not In My Village” campaign meeting that is underway in Lupane.
The “Not in My Village” campaign, is an initiative aimed at enhancing the involvement of traditional leaders in the fight against HIV/AIDS and child marriages.
Teen pregnancy is a term used to define pregnancy in a female who is under the legal adult age of 18 years.
8 468 child pregnancies were recorded in Umguza. Binga recorded the second highest tally of 2 798 minors who got pregnant, followed by Lupane with 2 489 cases.
In Hwange 2 487 teens fell pregnant while 2 132 cases were recorded in Nkayi.
Tsholotsho and Bubi recorded 2 041 and 929 cases respectively.
The “Not In My Village” campaign is being organised by NAC and will provide a platform for chiefs and stakeholders to discuss strategies for combating HIV/AIDS as well as addressing social challenges contributing to the spread of the disease in their communities.
Launched last year as a pilot programme in Mashonaland Central, “Not in My Village” is now being rolled out to other provinces, including Matabeleland North. The campaign seeks to promote inclusivity and community-driven solutions in the fight against HIV/AIDS while addressing issues such as teenage pregnancies and child marriages, which deprive children of their childhood, education, health, and future opportunities.
