Written By Mary Mumbua 📝
According to Ministry of Health Principal Secretary Susan Mochache, 45,724 teenage pregnancies were reported between January and February 2022.
The figure was conveyed during the National Dialogue with Regional and County Commissioners against HIV, teen pregnancies and Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), graced by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i on Thursday, April 7.
PS Mochache defined HIV, teen pregnancies, and SGBV as a triple threat to Kenyans’ livelihood and economy.
“HIV and AIDS afflict the youth who make up a huge percentage of Kenya’s population. We have made gains in addressing teenage pregnancies. Counties such as Taita, Kilifi & Siaya have reduced teenage pregnancies by 50%,” stated Mochache.
Dr Matiangi said that the threat of gender-based violence was a big security issue. “It is a slow killer affecting human resources & the country is bleeding. We are losing young girls to teenage pregnancies. Kenya will lose out in the long run if nothing is done.”
Mochache also revealed that 2,196 cases of SGBV were registered among those aged 12 and 17 years.
Mochache further said every week 98 girls aged between 10 and 19 years are infected with HIV due to SGBV.
Furthermore, Dr. Matiang’i added that they will build tools and training, including manuals, to instruct chiefs and sub-chiefs on how to battle this enemy.
