Gatsibo District sees reduction in teen pregnancies
20 February 2024Gatsibo District has witnessed a significant decline in teen pregnancies, dropping from over 800 to 518 within 6 months. According to district officials, this achievement is due to enhanced education on sexual, reproductive and health rights.
Gatsibo District has witnessed a significant decline in teen pregnancies, dropping from over 800 to 518 with a span of 6 months. Misinformation on sexual education was identified as a root cause and major contributor to early pregnancies in the district.
Education to tackle the cause of teen pregnancies
Clement, Child Protection and Strategic Advisor in the district, emphasised the important role of village clubs established in collaboration with Plan International Rwanda, World Vision Rwanda, and other partners.
“These clubs have contributed to a remarkable 50% decrease in teenage pregnancies,” he stated.
According to district officials, this achievement is due to the successful collaboration with partners dedicated to enhancing education on sexual, reproductive and health rights (SRHR).
To tackle the root causes of early pregnancies, the district and its partners implement various measures, including the improvement of sexual education for both in-school and out-of-school youth campaigns.
Parents were also provided with guidance and support through the “Akagoroba k’Ababyeyi” initiative, translating to “Evening Dialogue Among Parents” in English, that aimed to mentor and educate parents on SRHR issues, fostering a broader understanding across families. This initiative also addressed challenges such as drug abuse, reinforcing a comprehensive approach to reducing teenage pregnancies.
Consistent sexual, reproductive and health rights education
Within the district’s local communities, Plan International Rwanda has played a crucial role in in strengthening the understanding of SRHR among the youth. This support has focused on improving knowledge, attitudes and skills related to various aspects, such as body development, pregnancy, sexuality, relationships, addressing harmful practices and different forms of gender-based violence. Moreover, family and community dialogues have been promoted, especially to educate parents on intimate partner violence and positive masculinities.
“These [village] clubs have contributed to a remarkable 50% decrease in teenage pregnancies.”
Clement, Child Protection and Strategic Advisor
“A significant number girls still grapple with teenage pregnancies, adversely affecting their future dreams. The eradication of teenage pregnancies necessitates consistent sex education campaigns,” emphasises Alice Bumanzi, Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Programme Manager at Plan International Rwanda.
From July to December 2023, 518 children were born in various age groups, with 170 born to mothers aged 14 to 17 and 348 born to those 18–19. Despite the numbers, the district has experienced a decline in teenage pregnancies, marking a significant improvement with over 800 births in the first 6 months of the financial year.
Categories: Education, Sexual and reproductive health and rights
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