KASENENGWA DISTRICT RECORDS 256 TEEN PREGNANCIES

KASENENGWA District Has recorded a total of 256 teen pregnancies in the first quarter of this year 2024 in the first Quarter.

Kasenengwa district Commissioner Rachael Phiri stated that out of 256, 13 were aged below 15 years while 243 were aged between 15 and 19 years.

She further noted that government is concerned that despite certain measures being put in place, cases of teenage pregnancies are still on the increase.

She said the government will however, continue partnering with traditional and religious leaders among other stakeholders in ensuring that the cases are reduced.

She added that adolescent reproductive health services are cardinal for the district as it affects a crucial transition period that influences the biological changes of puberty.

“Adolescent reproductive health services are cardinal for the district as it affects a crucial transition period that influences the biological changes of puberty and to negotiate key developmental areas such as increasing dependency and experimentation,” she said.

And District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) Mathias Chuunga said a total of 71 pregnancies were recorded in some schools in the quarter under review, further explaining that 15 of the 71 girls have been enrolled back in school after giving birth to enable them to continue with their education.

Meanwhile, Chief Madzimawe of the Ngoni people observed a reduction in the migration of commercial sex workers from Chipata and other towns this year during the crop marketing season.

He attributed the development to the dry spells that were experienced in the last farming season which resulted in low yields as farming is the only source of income for most people in villages.

Chief Madzimawe however, mentioned that traditional leaders will still be on the lookout to ensure that the illegal activity which results in most people being swindled of their monies is curbed.