Zambia: The Permanent Secretary of Luapula Province, Mighty Mumba, has called on the youngsters to prevent adolescent pregnancies. He believes that the youngsters of the province can lead the charge in preventing these issues and protect their peers from facing the same challenges.
He made these remarks in a speech during the launch of the Reducing Adolescent Pregnancies (RAP) campaign in Luapula province. The speech was read by the district commissioner of Mansa Ireen Chivweta on behalf of PS Mumba.
In the speech, he asserted that young people can challenge the deeply rooted inequalities and social norms that make girls vulnerable to pregnancy and child marriage.
PS Mumba also assured the youngsters that the government of Zambia will support this initiative wholeheartedly. He announced that they will have the chance to benefit from many initiatives including free education.
“The Ministry of Health has also established structures in health facilities such as Youth Friendly Spaces which are designed to take care of all your health needs in a friendly environment,” he said.
PS Mumba noted that the government has also developed several frameworks, policies and programmes to curb violence against children which include child marriages.
“These include the National Child Safeguarding Framework and The National Child Safeguarding Policy to protect the rights of children,” he said.
Meanwhile, Luapula Province Health Director Dr Simon Kunda shared statistics of teenage pregnancy in the province at the launch of RAP Campaign. He expressed his disappointment saying that the percentage stands at a high 21.
Samfya District Health Director Dr. Cardson Kabwe was attending the event on behalf of Dr Kunda and spoke on his behalf. He noted that the provincial health office has put up measures to reduce teenage pregnancy through free services being provided in health facilities.
“The rate of teenage pregnancies in the province is high and hence we need to work together to help our adolescents overcome such vices,” Dr Kabwe said.
Luapula Province Education Officer Fredrick Mukunyi noted that the Ministry of Education is also collaborating with stakeholders to help reduce teenage pregnancies and keep girls in schools.
Mukunyi was represented by the Luapula Senior Education Standards Officer Leah Kabaso at the event. He stated that learners are being taught to abstain from sex so that they manage to get educated.
“We are also conducting career days as a way of sensitising our learners.” Claimed Mukunyi.