In an effort to curb teenage pregnancies in the province, the Gauteng Department of Health and Social Development will this month embark on a campaign to educate them on the implications of pregnancy.
Health promoters will be visiting high schools addressing various topics linked to teenage pregnancy.
The campaign which is a joined effort between the department as well as that of Education and non-governmental organisations will also look at Sexually Transmitted Illnesses as well as HIV and AIDS.
Tembisa in Ekurhuleni will be 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.
The department will also train 30 Registered Family Planning Nurses to strengthen Youth Friendly Services and Family Planning Programmes in clinics.
The highlight of the campaign will be teenage awareness event that will be addressed by MEC Ntombi Mekgwe in Tembisa on Saturday, 19 February 2011. About 800 high school pupils will are expected to attend the event.
Ahead of the event, there will be competitions and debates in schools where teenagers will be discussing the implication of pregnancy in their lives.
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
