Possible solutions to rising teen pregnancies
Letter
Teenage pregnancies are on the rise in Namibia. Data from UNFPA-Namibia reveals a concerning teenage pregnancy rate of 19%.
This is very worrisome. Reports from the education ministry confirmed that teenage pregnancies are on the rise.
The number of pregnancy-related school dropouts increased from 1 560 in 2019 to 2 291 in 2020 and 3 658 in 2021. What about 2022, 2023 and 2024?
The root causes are known:
1. Lack of comprehensive sex education
2.Economic disparities
3. Social and cultural influences
Possible solutions:
Namibia needs programs in place to retain scholars and strategies to prevent unintended or early fatherhood or motherhood.
The country has to implement comprehensive sex education that covers not only the biological aspects of reproduction but also the emotional and social dimensions.
Furthermore, we also need an adolescent- and youth-friendly environment at health facilities. Girls and boys need to be taught about all aspects of their well-being, including sexual and reproductive health. We should stop denying our children information about sex. Denying children comprehensive sexual education based on outdated beliefs is a serious mistake with potentially harmful consequences.
It is therefore important to break the culture of silence and secrecy around sex, which allows people to prey on youngsters. The best way to protect and empower our young people is to equip them with knowledge and the ability to make informed choices.
In conclusion, the Namibian nation needs to create an environment where teenage pregnancies are not only prevented but where those who do face these challenges are given the support they need to live a meaningful life.
This is very worrisome. Reports from the education ministry confirmed that teenage pregnancies are on the rise.
The number of pregnancy-related school dropouts increased from 1 560 in 2019 to 2 291 in 2020 and 3 658 in 2021. What about 2022, 2023 and 2024?
The root causes are known:
1. Lack of comprehensive sex education
2.Economic disparities
3. Social and cultural influences
Possible solutions:
Namibia needs programs in place to retain scholars and strategies to prevent unintended or early fatherhood or motherhood.
The country has to implement comprehensive sex education that covers not only the biological aspects of reproduction but also the emotional and social dimensions.
Furthermore, we also need an adolescent- and youth-friendly environment at health facilities. Girls and boys need to be taught about all aspects of their well-being, including sexual and reproductive health. We should stop denying our children information about sex. Denying children comprehensive sexual education based on outdated beliefs is a serious mistake with potentially harmful consequences.
It is therefore important to break the culture of silence and secrecy around sex, which allows people to prey on youngsters. The best way to protect and empower our young people is to equip them with knowledge and the ability to make informed choices.
In conclusion, the Namibian nation needs to create an environment where teenage pregnancies are not only prevented but where those who do face these challenges are given the support they need to live a meaningful life.
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Namibian Sun
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