Teenage pregnancy is a growing concern in Zambia, with high number of cases reported each year. In January 2024 alone, close to 3000 cases of teenage pregnancy were reported in Eastern Province, highlighting the need for urgent action to address this issue. In light of this problem, ZAGO held a webinar to discuss magnitude of teenage pregnancy and its significant impact on adolescent girls and their future.

The webinar provided a space for experts to share information and knowledge about teenage pregnancy: root causes, impact on young people (socially and economically), and potential solutions to the problem. The webinar also provided an opportunity for participants to learn from others and share ideas, best practices, and collaborate on ways to combat teenage pregnancy in the country. This helped participants to create a more cohesive and coordinated approach to promoting SRHR and ensure that efforts are maximized.

Main speakers included, Eastern Province adolescent focal point person, Chongo Chipeta, adolescent and youth focal point person for Koloko health center in Chingola, Musonda Kangwa; and SRHR advocate from Youth Development Foundation in Chipata, Tisa Banda. Close to 50 participants took part in the Webinar.

ZAGO stressed the importance of addressing the underlying social determinants of teenage pregnancy such as, poverty, lack of education, and limited access to reproductive health services, not only in Eastern Province, but across the country.

The discussion emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the problem including education, access to contraception, and support for young mothers. The webinar further discussed the role of healthcare providers in addressing teenage pregnancy including providing comprehensive reproductive healthcare services, and support to pregnant teenagers.

Some of the factors contributing to the problem were identified, such as:

1. Lack of amenities for young people in rural areas
2. Drug and alcohol abuse especially among young people resulting in reckless sexual behaviour
3. Lack of boarding facilities in schools, forcing some girls to rent houses and thus being prone to transactional sex
4. Low uptake of family planning services by young people due to myths 
5. Negative  attitude of healthcare providers towards young people, thus preventing them from accessing services like contraceptives and condoms
6. Long distances to health facilities.

The webinar concluded with recommendations to address teenage pregnancy including strengthening comprehensive sexual education programs in schools, and improving access to reproductive health services to young people. Organizations involved in SRHR advocacy were highly encouraged to continue sensitizing communities and young people in particular against drug and alcohol abuse, and instead concentrate on education. Healthcare providers were equally advised to attend to young people seeking reproductive health services as a matter of urgency.