Lilian Kasenene, Morogoro
Teenage pregnancies in Morogoro are on the rise, with many attributing the problem to the lack of accurate reproductive health information for young people, The Respondent can report.
Without proper knowledge about their bodies, many youths are unable to make informed decisions, leaving them vulnerable to early pregnancies and other reproductive health challenges.
This lack of awareness, coupled with inadequate access to youth-friendly health services, has contributed significantly to the growing crisis.
Reproductive health is vital for the physical, mental, and social development of young people. However, many adolescents face barriers when trying to access accurate information and essential services.
These barriers often stem from societal stigma, limited resources, and a lack of youth-friendly health facilities.
In Morogoro, the impact is becoming increasingly evident, with official statistics indicating a sharp rise in teenage pregnancies.
According to the Morogoro Regional Office, reported cases of teenage pregnancies increased from 800 in the 2019/2020 period to over 1,200 in 2020/2021.
Such alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reproductive health education and services tailored to young people’s needs.
Lightness Munyi, a 22-year-old resident of Kichangani, vividly recalls the challenges she faced when seeking reproductive health services.
At the age of 19, shortly after completing secondary school, she sought care at a local health center, only to be met with disdain and judgment due to her young age.
"They told me those services were for women about to marry," Lightness explained, her voice tinged with frustration.
Despite the discouragement, she persisted and was eventually referred to a youth-friendly health center by a peer educator she met in 2023. There, she received the care she needed without judgment or stigma.
Today, Lightness is a testament to the transformative power of access to proper reproductive health care.
"I feel confident and capable now. Without the help I received, I wouldn’t be where I am today," she said proudly, noting that she is now pursuing a degree in Sociology.
Peer educators like Leila Mazengo play a crucial role in bridging the gap between young people and the information they need.
Leila works under the Sauti ya Vijana (SYV) project in Morogoro, which provides reproductive health education to adolescents in schools, health centers, and even through local media outlets. She explained the difficulties many young people face when trying to access reproductive health services.
"We meet young people who are stigmatized at health centers. Some are even turned away," Leila said, her voice reflecting the gravity of the situation.
She emphasized the need for more youth-friendly health facilities, noting that the current number is insufficient to meet the demand.
"We need more youth-friendly health facilities because the current ones are too few," she added.
In addition to providing education, Leila has been actively involved in advocacy efforts, presenting the challenges faced by young people to district and regional policymakers.
The efforts aim to push for the creation of more inclusive health services that cater to the unique needs of adolescents.
The SYV project, managed by the Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights Africa (WGNRR Africa) in collaboration with UMATI and funded by AmplifyChange from the UK, has been instrumental in addressing these issues.
The project has reached thousands of youths across the Morogoro and Iringa regions, providing them with vital information and services to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
Project Manager Evans Rwamuhuru shared startling statistics about the early age at which some children begin engaging in sexual activity.
"Girls as young as 10 are engaging in sexual activities, leading to a surge in teenage pregnancies. Currently, 27% of girls aged 10–19 become pregnant," he revealed.
The data highlights the critical need for early and effective reproductive health education to prevent these young girls from becoming mothers before they are emotionally and physically ready.
The challenges extend beyond access to information and services. Geoffrey Pius, a young man from Morogoro, shared a personal story that underscores the gravity of the situation.
He recounted how he was arrested after his teenage girlfriend suffered complications from an unsafe abortion.
"A community health worker bailed me out and educated me on reproductive health. Now, I teach my peers," Geoffrey said, highlighting how access to accurate information can transform lives and prevent future tragedies.
The Tanzanian government is also playing a role in addressing the crisis. Michael Mbele, a program officer in the Ministry of Health’s Youth Division, explained that the ministry is developing policies and guidelines to ensure that young people receive comprehensive reproductive health education both in schools and at community health centers.
"Our guidelines emphasize the importance of teaching safe reproductive health practices and providing access to family planning methods," Mbele said.
He further noted that the government is committed to ensuring that both in-school and out-of-school youths have access to appropriate education and services tailored to their specific needs.
Despite the challenges, there is hope for the future. The SYV project has made significant strides in reaching over 46,000 youths in the Morogoro and Iringa regions, to reach 59,400 by the end of the project in December 2024.
The project has also trained 36 health providers and established 12 youth clubs, ensuring that young people have access to both information and supportive peer networks.
"Our goal is to reach 59,400 youths by the project's end. If extended, we believe many more will benefit," Rwamuhuru stated optimistically.
The impact of the SYV project is evident in the lives of young people like Lightness and Geoffrey, who have not only benefited from the information and services provided but have also become advocates for reproductive health in their communities.
Through their efforts and the continued support of initiatives like SYV, there is hope that the cycle of teenage pregnancy and stigma can be broken, paving the way for healthier, more empowered future generations.
While the project is set to conclude in December 2024, its impact will continue to be felt for years to come. Rwamuhuru expressed hope that the project might be extended, allowing even more young people to benefit from its programs.
"If extended, we believe many more will benefit," he reiterated, emphasizing the importance of sustained efforts in addressing the reproductive health needs of young people.
As the project nears its conclusion, it is clear that there is still much work to be done. However, the progress made so far offers a glimmer of hope for the future.
With continued advocacy, education, and support, the dream of a generation of empowered, informed young people is within reach.
Through initiatives like SYV and the tireless efforts of peer educators, health providers, and advocates, the tide may yet turn in the fight against teenage pregnancies in Morogoro and beyond.