editor
President Samia Suluhu Hassan recently conducted an inspection at Katavi Referral Hospital to assess the progress of its construction, particularly focusing on wards like the Premature Infant Ward. During her visit, she took the opportunity to address a pressing social issue affecting the region: teenage pregnancies.
Expressing deep concern, President Samia highlighted the plight of young mothers in the hospital’s wards, noting instances where girls as young as 15 to 19 years old were bearing children. “It’s heartbreaking to see someone who is only 20 years old with 25 children in there,” she remarked, underscoring the gravity of the situation where young mothers often face significant challenges due to their own immaturity and the health risks associated with adolescent pregnancies.
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In her address to the residents of Katavi, President Samia urged families and communities to prioritize education and allow children to mature before starting families. “I urge you all to let children grow a little more, at least to the age of 19 or above, but not at 14, 18, or 17,” she emphasized, advocating for comprehensive measures to prevent teenage pregnancies and support the well-being of young girls.
The Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS-MIS) of 2022 has identified Katavi Region as having a teenage pregnancy rate of 34%, placing it among the top regions nationally. Songwe leads with 45%, followed closely by Ruvuma (37%), Mara (31%), and Rukwa (30%). These statistics underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and community engagement to address the underlying factors contributing to early pregnancies.
President Samia’s visit not only aimed to monitor healthcare infrastructure development but also served as a platform to advocate for social change and the protection of adolescent girls’ rights. Her call for action resonates with ongoing efforts to promote education, empower young women, and safeguard their health and future prospects in Katavi and across Tanzania.
