Survey: 900 schoolgirls are impregnated daily
Some 948 schoolgirls get pregnant every day, shocking statistics contained in a report by the Ministry of Health indicate.
The report further reveals that one in every 10 adolescent girls is either pregnant or have started the child bearing process.
Again, 13,000 girls drop out of school due to pregnancy every year, according to Demographic Health Information System; an online data platform launched by the Ministry of Health to map maternal and neonatal information countrywide
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The report also reveals that over 400,000 teenagers between 10 and 19 years of age get pregnant annually, a report by the ministry of Health indicates.
“Some 378,687 adolescents between 15-19 years and 20,444 adolescents between 10-14 years presented with pregnancies in health facilities in 2019,” reads the report released over the weekend.
Another report released by the National Council on Population and Development (NCPD) in 2018, revealed that one in five girls aged between 15-19 years in Kenya is either pregnant or has already given birth.
The Kenya National Aids Council in separate findings reported that 430,825 teens aged between 10-19 years attended at least one antenatal clinic session in a public health facility.
Kilifi and Homa Bay counties, who collectively in 2019 had 32,583 cases, have been identified as the hotspots.
Experts have expressed concerns about emerging hotspots like Nairobi, Bungoma, Nakuru and Kakamega counties.
The scaring statistics have forced youth groups to come up with mitigating ventures to contain the menace.
AMREF Digital Communications Officer in charge of the Youth led Sexual Education Programme Patricia Wasuna, who presided over presentation, expressed hope that there would be more sustained effort in addressing young girls’ plight.
“Research has shown us that sex education has the most impact when school-based programs are complemented with the involvement of parents and teachers, religious leaders, training institutes and youth-friendly services through a community based approach,” said Wasuna.
