By Michael Oduor
Religious leaders in Taita Taveta County have raised concern over the increase in teenage pregnancies in the county.
According to the district health information system, presented by county sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) focal person Violet Mkamburi, there is a worrying rise in the number of teenage pregnancies. The data showed that between January and August 2021, the number stood at 1929 compared to 1428 in 2020.
Speaking during a consultative meeting of religious leaders organized by Youths for Sustainable Development (YSD) in partnership with Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), Liberty Christian Church pastor Robert Mwangala emphasized on the need for religious leaders to address this worrying trend.
He added that building and sustaining community awareness on adolescence, sexual and reproductive health should be prioritized in the campaign for teen pregnancy prevention.
“For a sustainable and effective campaign against teenage pregnancy, community awareness on adolescence, sexual and reproductive health should be considered,” said Mwangala.
County director for youths, sports, gender, culture and social services Mr. Wallace Mwaluma reiterated that multisectoral commitment is needed for partners to succeed in this war.
“We can only achieve the fight against early pregnancies through the commitment of different sectors,” stated Mwaluma.
High cost of living, hunger and health crisis have also been cited as the main causes of the rise in teenage pregnancies in the county.
YSD national chair Silvester Asumwa, VSO community volunteer Jennifer Njoli and community volunteer Elizabeth Mbinga unanimously agreed that voluntary objective and integration of various partners with those of different Faith-based organizations is vital for the positive impact of the campaign.
