Teenage pregnancy is one of the impediments to social and economic development among girls in Zambia. A number of girls are unable to reach their full potential as they fall pregnant prematurely and end up dropping the dreams of becoming who they want to be in life. Teenage pregnancy is a countrywide catastrophe and continue to contribute to high illiteracy and poverty levels in the country, especially among the youth. This problem does not only affect the full realization of girls’ socioeconomic potential, but also undermines their human rights. The problem brings with it untold effects, such as, school dropouts, psychological stress, sexual transmitted diseases and/or infections, unsafe abortions, stigma, discrimination etc.

Dr Robert Kumwenda, Gynaecologist/Obstetrician at Chipata Central Hospital explains the magnitude of the problem not only in Chipata district, but the entire Eastern Province. He says, Eastern Province, in particular has recorded 16,000 cases of teenage pregnancy in 2023.

“This problem is big and broad, especially as a country and also speaking regionally as [Eastern] province. You will agree with me that going back to last year [2022], going by the statistics that were compiled, you find that just last year alone, there were over 12,000 teenage pregnancies in Eastern Province. This year [2023], going by the statistics, we are already above 16,000 [cases of teenage pregnancies]. We are yet to conclude the year,” Dr Kumwenda explains during ZAGO’s Inside Health radio program on 3 FM radio in Chipata, Eastern Province.

Dr Kumwenda says interventions to addressing the problem have been employed before and will continue to be implemented as evidenced by what ZAGO was doing, and the Indaba held by the traditional leaders in the province.

“ZAGO is doing a lot of sensitisation work in the province, including radio programs. [Equally], our chief Mazimawe who has been instrumental and also Chief Msoro, and many others, came together [last year]. But even then, you find that…I can cite one district, Kasenengwa, last year, just by mid of the year, there were about 817 teenage pregnancies; Chipata, were above 600 cases. So, it just tells you how big and widespread this problem is. If we can have over 16,000 cases even before the year ends, it tells you of the socioeconomic impact on this group. Because this is a group that we expect to be in school; a group we expect to be productive; a group that we expect to build a future for the country. Now if we can have 16,000 young girls being affected…we don’t know the complications that may follow because this is a critical mass of our young people who are supposed to build the nation,” he adds.

Poverty, inequality, lack of information are among the main causes of teenage pregnancies in the country.

“In most cases, causes of teenage pregnancies, e.g., in villages, is gender inequality. They [parents and guardians] think taking a boy child to school is better than a girl child. They believe that girls are supposed to be wives. Another cause is poverty. Most parents do not have money. Now they believe that marrying off a girl child [will] end [their] poverty or mitigated [it]. Another problem that perpetuates teenage pregnancy are the traditional teachings inculcated into the children. I would like to make reference and appreciate Chief Mazimawe [for discouraging traditional rituals]. There are traditional rituals that demands that once a girl child reaches puberty, they take her into the secluded house (Chinamwali). Young girls are [then] taught beyond what they are supposed to know, and beyond the information that is required at that time. Yes, it’s important to teach them how to take care of themselves hygienically, knowing that now they have entered into a phase of womanhood, but to teach them how to keep a home inside the bedroom etc., I don’t think it is right.” says Dr Kumwenda.

And a youth advocate, Brenda Nkoswe calls on parents not to look at their girl child as a business, adding anyone found marrying off their girl child before time should be punished.

“A girl child is not a business. The only problem is that these people [parents and guardians] lack information about the importance of school. Parents should stop marrying off their children. They should encourage children to go to school because it is education that can change their lives. To stakeholders, if they see any parents forcing their children into early marriage, the law should take its course. Police should be arresting such parents,” Brenda emphasised. “I see [traditional] culture to be contributing to teenage pregnancy because most girls would want to experiment what they learn in secluded houses. They are taught how to keep a home; how to satisfy a husband sexually, so, the girls ensure they do what they are taught.”

The consequences of teenage pregnancy are dire and have long-term effects. Brenda calls for combined efforts among stakeholders in addressing what she referred to as a “bomb”’ awaiting to explode.

“My advice to young people is early marriage is not a solution. First finish your education and put their life in order that’s when they can be thinking of marrying. And once we all work together, I believe we can end early marriages,” she stresses, while Dr Kumwenda, emphasised the aspect of encouraging young girls to concentrate on education and refrain from vices that can lead to health problems and teenage pregnancies.

“Let’s ensure that we take advantages of the free education that has been put in place by the government.”