The Amansie West District Health Directorate has expressed concern over the persistently high rate of teenage pregnancies in the district, despite recording a slight decline in recent years.
Speaking in an interview with Kumasi Mail during activities marking World Malaria Day, the District Director of Health Services, Pharm. Bernard Badu Bediako, disclosed that teenage pregnancies continue to account for a significant proportion of pregnancies recorded in the district.
According to him, the district recorded a teenage pregnancy rate of about 17 percent in previous years, which dropped marginally to 16 percent last year.
“We had about 17 percent in terms of teenagers who become pregnant. As of last year, it had reduced a little to 16 percent, but it is still significant,” he said.
Pharm. Bediako noted that the figures remain a major public health concern because of the health, educational and socio-economic challenges associated with teenage pregnancies.
To address the situation, he said the Health Directorate has intensified public education campaigns aimed at encouraging young people to abstain from sexual activity.
He explained that while abstinence remains the primary message being promoted, health officials are also educating sexually active adolescents on family planning options to help prevent unintended pregnancies.
“What we are doing is encouraging abstinence. However, for those who will not be able to abstain, we are also encouraging family planning as an alternative. But we are championing abstinence,” he stated.
The Health Director added that education on the proper use of condoms and other contraceptive methods forms part of the district’s strategy to reduce teenage pregnancies and improve reproductive health outcomes among young people.
He called on parents, teachers, community leaders and other stakeholders to support efforts aimed at reducing teenage pregnancies and safeguarding the future of young girls in the district.
World Malaria Day is observed annually to raise awareness about malaria prevention and control while promoting broader public health interventions in communities.
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Source: www.kumasimail.com
