Pognaa Rose Mary Banzie, the Upper West Regional Adolescents Focal Person, has raised concerns regarding the alarming rates of teenage pregnancy, particularly within the Wa East District She said despite the Upper West Region maintaining commendable records in addressing teenage pregnancy, certain districts, including Wa East, present troubling statistics.
According to the health service first quarter of 2024 reports, Wa East District has recorded a staggering 922 pregnancies, with 147 cases accounting for approximately 16% of teenage mothers. She added, in the 2023 reports Wa East recorded 13.1% while the whole region recorded 8.7% teenage pregnancies.
This revelation has sparked widespread apprehension among stakeholders including the Acting District Director of Health Services for Wa East, Mr. Stephen Sunkari, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the causes of teenage pregnancy in the district.
Pognaa Banzie emphasized the importance of comprehensive strategies to combat this issue effectively. She stressed the significance of education, access to reproductive health services, and community engagement in empowering adolescents to make informed decisions and prevent unintended pregnancies.
The concerning statistics from Wa East District serve as a reminder of the persistent challenges surrounding adolescent sexual and reproductive health.
Efforts to mitigate these challenges must prioritize collaboration between government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community leaders to implement holistic solutions that address the root causes of teenage pregnancy.
She said the Upper West Regional Adolescents Focal Person remains committed to working tirelessly with the Upper West Regional Health Directorate to safeguard the well-being and future prospects of adolescents across the region.
Through concerted action and sustained advocacy, there is hope for meaningful progress in reducing teenage pregnancy rates and ensuring a brighter future for the youth of Wa East District and beyond.
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