Gauteng Department of Health and Social Development MEC, Ntombi Mekgwe will join health workers who will educate high school pupils on the risks of teenage pregnancy at Tembisa tomorrow.
This event is the highlight of the month long campaign that the department has embarked on to educate school going children about the implications of unprotected sex, with the aim of reducing the number of pregnant teenagers in Gauteng schools. This action was warranted by the alarming rate of pregnant high school learners in the province.
The campaign which is a joined effort between the department as well as that of Education and Non-Governmental organisations will also look at other risks of unprotected sex such as Sexually Transmitted Illnesses as well as HIV and AIDS.
Tembisa in Ekurhuleni is receiving special attention during the campaign as it is regarded as a high risk area for both HIV infection and teenage pregnancy. The average teenage delivery rate for the Gauteng province is 5.1% of 200 000 total annual deliveries.
During interactions with school going children, social workers have noted some of the causes of teenage pregnancy as early school dropout; growing up in residential areas characterised by poverty and in particular informal settlements; younger girls dating older men therefore powerless to negotiate for condoms; lack of knowledge regarding contraceptives coupled with the judgmental attitude displayed by some health professionals when requesting contraceptives and lack of communication open communication with parents regarding sexual matters.
The implications of teenage pregnancy that have been noted include, an increase in HIV and AIDS infection; those who abort their children struggle with emotional problems such as nightmares, eating disorders, relationship problems and depression; girls do not often return to complete their education which impacts on their ability to be economically independent.
To ensure the success of this initiative, the department will also train 30 Registered Family Planning Nurses to strengthen Youth Friendly Services and Family Planning Programmes in clinics.
Date: Saturday, 19 February 2011
Time: 09h00
Venue: Tembisa Multi-Purpose Community Centre
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
