Teenage Pregnancy: Three in Four Rural Girls Obtain Sanitary Pads from Sexual Partners
High teenage pregnancy remains a critical issue in Kenya, despite a decrease in numbers. The country still records significant cases of teenage pregnancies annually.
The National Syndemic and Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) reported that 254,753 adolescents aged 10-19 sought antenatal care in 2023.
Caroline Kinoti from NSDCC suggested that the real number could be higher since not all teenagers seek antenatal care. Kinoti emphasized the importance of collective efforts to combat teenage pregnancy.
In 2023, the number of new teenage pregnancy cases showed a decline from the previous year’s figure of 260,734. However, the issue remains intertwined with other challenges like HIV and Gender-Based Violence, which the government aims to eliminate by 2030.
Stakeholders advocate for the economic empowerment of girls and their families to reduce teenage pregnancy rates.
Rosline Odongo of the Kenya Poverty Elimination Network highlighted that many girls from impoverished families lack access to sanitary pads, often resorting to obtaining them from sexual partners, thus increasing their pregnancy risk.
She also pointed out that financial dependency leads to early sexual activity, sometimes involving relatives like uncles.
Community Education and Sensitization
During a sensitization meeting in Uriri Sub County, Odongo underscored the importance of educating teenage girls about pregnancy prevention options and promoting open discussions on reproductive health within families.
She noted that many community members are unaware of the available reproductive health options and emphasized the role of hotlines and community health promoters in providing assistance.
Sanitary Pads and Sexual Partners
NSDCC data revealed that two out of three rural teenage girls who use sanitary pads receive them from sexual partners due to cost barriers. The current price of a packet of sanitary pads, ranging between Ksh.115 to Ksh.240, is unaffordable for many girls.
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To address the issue, the Ministry of Health focuses on delaying sexual debut among girls and ensuring all girls transition from primary to secondary school. In Kenya, any sexual intercourse among adolescents aged 15 years and below is considered early sexual debut.
Conclusion
Efforts to reduce teenage pregnancy in Kenya must include economic empowerment, improved access to sanitary products, and comprehensive reproductive health education.
Collaboration among government agencies, stakeholders, and communities is crucial to address this persistent challenge and achieve the goal of eliminating teenage pregnancy by 2030.
Teenage Pregnancy: Three in Four Rural Girls Obtain Sanitary Pads from Sexual Partners
