Bundibugyo Sees 2000 Teenage Pregnancies Recorded In In 6 Months

Posted by: Kyeyune Andrew Jonathan in Uganda news November 15, 2023

The number of teenage girls seeking antenatal care services have continued to surge in Bundibugyo health facilities. Authorities have associated this continuous increase to defilement. Ms Pamela Adongo, the district probation officer, last week said a total of 2,194 girls sought antenatal care services between January and July.

She further revealed how this number could increase since some girls fear going to health facilities for proper care. She said these usually end up delivering with the help of traditional birth attendants.

“It’s time we fight defilement. In the previous year, we registered 3,000 teenage pregnancies which means our girls are getting married at a young age,” Ms Adongo said.

She further accused parents of neglecting their responsibilities and leaving their girls at risk of being defiled. In addition to that, several cases of defilement are reported to have been settled domestically.

Bishop Barnabas Tibaijuka of West Ruwenzori Diocese said this situation affected girls’ educational prospects.

“These vices have negative social and economic effects on our society. I urge stakeholders to unite and fight against child abuse,” he said.

A study shows that 24% of girls between age 15-19 are either mothers or pregnant with their first child. The effects of teenage pregnancies include several health hazards resulting in issues during pregnancy and delivery. These endanger both the mother and the child which sometimes ends in fatalities.

Stigma is also an effect of teenage pregnancies where they are stigmatized and in other cases rejected by their community. Teen mothers are highly likely to drop out of school which affects their employment and livelihood prospects.

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