Rising Teen Pregnancies Alarm Karonga Authorities

Health and youth officers in Karonga are calling for urgent interventions to address the growing number of teenage pregnancies in the lakeshore district.

Ruth Ngwalu, the District Family Planning Coordinator for Karonga, revealed that Karonga District Hospital recorded over 2,600 teen pregnancies between April 2023 and March 2024. She shared this information during a walk organized by Pamoza Tingakwaniska Youth Organization at Mwangwabo Village in Traditional Authority Kyungu, aimed at raising awareness about Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH).

Ngwalu emphasized that the situation is likely even worse than reported, as many cases go unreported. “Teenage pregnancies are robbing our youth of their future. Out of every 1,000 births recorded at the hospital, 27 babies die as neonatal deaths because young mothers’ bodies are not ready for childbirth, leading to complications,” Ngwalu explained. She also noted that the district’s limited space and facilities are hindering its ability to provide adequate SRH services.

Lapkin Liwago, the District Youth Officer, pointed out the lack of safe spaces for young people to access essential services. “Many young people don’t know where to turn for help. Establishing more youth-friendly health centers is critical to addressing the increasing numbers of teenage pregnancies,” he said.

Emmanuel Moyo, Media Officer for Pamoza, highlighted the broader potential of such awareness events. He noted that these activities offer young people a platform to openly discuss sexual health issues in a safe and supportive environment.

The event, supported by the Breucumann Foundation and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany, featured various activities, including drama, music, and poetry, to engage and empower young people.