The Gauteng Department of Health has raised concerns over an alarming rise in teenage pregnancies across the province. Health and Welfare MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko’s office highlighted a significant increase in both deliveries and terminations of pregnancies among girls aged 10 to 19. During the 2022/2023 period, the province recorded 24,941 such cases, up by 496 from the 24,445 reported in the previous year.
In response, the department is set to launch a multi-sectoral intervention plan on Friday in Benoni. This plan aims to address what is seen as an urgent public health issue by outlining strategic objectives and consolidating efforts from various sectors.
The district of Ekurhuleni reported the highest number of cases, with 6,670 incidences, followed by Johannesburg at 6,069, Tshwane at 4,858, West Rand at 1,729, and Sedibeng at 1,429. This stark data underscores a growing challenge for provincial health authorities. The intervention plan’s launch is expected to mark the beginning of more intensive efforts to combat teenage pregnancy, emphasizing collective action and strategic measures to address the root causes of the issue.
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