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Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
The deputy director for reproductive health in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Lucia Gondongwe has said
Zimbabwe’s rate of teenage pregnancies contributes significantly to high maternal mortality rates.
Speaking at a regional gathering focusing on access to adolescent sexual reproductive health rights (SRHR), Dr Gondongwe
said the prevalence of teenage pregnancies reflects a broader gender equality issue within the country.
While the focus is often on adolescent girls, Dr Gondongwe stressed the importance of addressing the needs of adolescent boys
as well.
“We have implemented numerous programmes, including the global standards for providing adolescent health services in over
32 districts,” Dr Gondongwe said.
“Our goal is to expand these initiatives to all districts. Access to adolescent health care is not limited to urban areas and we
recognise the unique needs of vulnerable, marginalised, and rural communities, which constitute approximately 60 percent of
our population.”
The ministry has adopted a comprehensive approach to addressing adolescent health, combining outreach programmes that
cover various health issues such as HIV, cancer screening, and medication distribution. Additionally, they have trained
community health workers to provide self-care services to adolescents, including those in childcare institutions.
Dr Gondongwe emphasised the importance of self-care for adolescent girls and boys, particularly those in childcare.
She said the ministry is actively working to ensure that these young people have access to necessary resources and support,
including self-injectable contraceptives.
“By addressing the root causes of teenage pregnancies and providing comprehensive health services, Zimbabwe aims to
improve the reproductive health outcomes of its young population,” Dr Gondongwe said.
Online Reporter