6197 TEENAGE PREGNANCY CASES IN 2024

In 2024, Botswana reported 6,197 cases of teenage pregnancy, highlighting an urgent need to protect the health and future of its youth.In an interview with The Midweek Sun, Ministry of Health Spokesperson Dr. Christopher Nyanga, shared that 7,488 cases were recorded in 2023, and figures for 2025 are still being compiled.The five districts with the highest teenage pregnancy rates in 2024 were Mogoditshane-Thamaga (389), Ngamiland (357), Gaborone (352), Mahalapye (339), and Serowe (316). Dr. Nyanga explained that the Ministry of Health has established Youth-Friendly Health Services (YFHS) to provide adolescents and young adults (ages 10–24) with accessible, confidential, and non-judgmental healthcare.These services include counselling, HIV testing, and general medical consultations, delivered by trained personnel familiar with the unique developmental and psychosocial needs of young people.Additionally, the Ministry has adopted an integrated approach, combining sexual and reproductive health (SRH), HIV prevention and care, and gender-based violence (GBV) services to offer comprehensive support.This strategy ensures that adolescents facing pregnancy-related challenges receive holistic care to promote their overall well-being. In collaboration with the Ministry of Basic Education, Child Welfare, and UNESCO, the Ministry is implementing Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) as a key strategy to address teenage pregnancy.CSE provides accurate information and essential life skills, empowering young people to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. Dr. Nyanga emphasized that CSE helps adolescents understand the biological, emotional, and social aspects of sexuality while highlighting risks and responsibilities.By fostering communication, negotiation, consent, and refusal skills, CSE equips young people to resist peer pressure, form healthy relationships, and avoid high-risk behaviours that contribute to unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Teenage pregnancy is a significant barrier to educational attainment in Botswana, contributing to school dropouts among adolescent girls.Many leave school due to societal stigma, institutional policies, and the physical and emotional challenges of early motherhood.The disruption of education at a critical stage limits their future opportunities unless they are reintegrated into the system. Dr. Nyanga noted that pregnant learners often miss lessons, assessments, and national exams, leading to poor academic outcomes and lower chances of completing secondary or higher education. This, in turn, reduces their access to skilled employment and participation in the formal economy.Early school departure due to pregnancy limits job prospects for young mothers, many of whom end up in low-paying, unstable, or informal sector jobs. This situation often perpetuates cycles of poverty and socioeconomic marginalisation. Teenage mothers frequently become financially dependent on their families or partners, increasing their vulnerability and reducing personal autonomy.This dependence can worsen power imbalances in relationships, making it difficult for them to make independent life choices, further entrenching gender and economic inequalities. Addressing teenage pregnancy through education, healthcare, and social interventions is crucial—not only for the well-being of adolescent girls but also for national development goals related to gender equity, education, and poverty reduction.Dr. Nyanga stressed that parental involvement is vital in preventing teenage pregnancies. Parents serve as a protective and empowering force, helping adolescents navigate complex developmental, social, and health-related challenges. Open and honest parent-child communication about SRH plays a crucial role in dispelling myths, clarifying misconceptions, and reinforcing positive values.However, cultural taboos in Botswana often hinder such discussions.Research shows that adolescents who view their parents as approachable and trustworthy are more likely to delay sexual initiation, consistently use contraceptives, and avoid risky behaviours. Additionally, parental monitoring and guidance help protect young people from peer pressure and sexual coercion, enabling them to make informed and cautious decisions.

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6197 TEENAGE PREGNANCY CASES IN 2024