In an attempt to combat the scourge of teenage pregnancy, rising HIV infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) amongst the youth, a teenage pregnancy indaba was recently held in East London, Buffalo City Metro.
The latest report compiled by the Eastern Cape AIDS Council (ECAC) has shown a rising rate in teenage pregnancy in Buffalo City during the 2023-2024 financial year.
Speaking at the teenage pregnancy indaba, Acting BCM Mayor Mayihlome Mcaku said structural inequalities, poverty, unemployment, substance abuse and limited access to healthcare services contribute to the rise of teenage pregnancy in Buffalo City and continue to threaten the wellbeing of the youth.
“According to the Eastern Cape AIDS Council (ECAC) report, there were over 1,600 teenage girls who fell pregnant in Buffalo City alone during the 2023-2024 financial year,” said Mcaku.
Eastern Cape Civil Society Forum Chairperson Melikhaya Lusiti raised concerns over rising HIV infections amongst the youth and teenage pregnancy in the province.
“According to recent statistics, in the Eastern Cape we have over 67,000 young people between the ages of 14 and 24 living with HIV and an alarming rise in teenage pregnancies,” said Lusiti.
He urged the youth to take advantage of free prevention measures, including the correct use of condoms, in order to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS, STIs and unwarranted teenage pregnancies.
Dr Phelisa Dana shared the same sentiments, adding that family planning services are readily available in all healthcare facilities in the province. “This teenage pregnancy indaba provides an opportunity for the youth to speak openly about teenage pregnancy, debate and discuss its disadvantages,” said Dr Dana.
Throughout the month of June, Buffalo City Metro hosted several youth empowerment-oriented programmes, including the recent teenage pregnancy indaba as part of Youth Month commemoration. Some of the youth empowerment initiatives hosted in June include the Youth Skills Development programme held in Mbekweni, Unit P, and the Drug Abuse Community Dialogue held in Ginsberg township in Qonce.
