05 Dec 2024

Southern District Health Management Team (SDHMT) has concluded a ‘Mokgosi’ teenage pregnancy awareness campaign which began on November 25.

The campaign team managed to tour various schools to raise awareness on issues regarding teenage pregnancy.

In his welcome remarks in Kanye on Tuesday during the campaign closing ceremony, chairperson of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) at Seepapitso senior school, Mr Sadike Kgokong, explained that the SDHMT had taken the lead in the campaign due to the growing concerns over teenage pregnancy, particularly with students heading into their vacation period.

He shared that the campaign, themed "Mokgosi" #EndTeenagePregnancy #BeAChildDontHaveOne, was a call to action to combat teenage pregnancies, abortions, and the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 

“Our goal is to empower young girls with the skills they need to make informed, responsible choices,” he said.

Mr Kgokong went on to reflect on the efforts to improve the Seepapitso senior school community, acknowledging that there was still work to be done. 

This progress, he stated, has been made possible through the collaboration of various stakeholders, including Kgosi Malope of Bangwaketse, the local council, the land board, as well as parents and teachers, all working together for the betterment of the school.

“I urge you all to take your education seriously. 

Look at my peers, who, having neglected their studies, now face challenges on the streets. It is crucial that you follow your teachers’ guidance and stay focused on your academic journey,” he advised.

The guest speaker, Ms Vanessa Stegling, Miss Teen Kanye, stressed the importance of organised health promotion and prevention efforts. 

She noted that it is the DHMT's responsibility to work in conjunction with relevant stakeholders to address the issue of teenage pregnancy effectively. She explained that the DHMT, through its health promotion division, had gathered and analysed data to identify key challenges and share these insights with stakeholders. 

“To tackle teenage pregnancy, we must work together, and this consultation is a vital step forward,” Ms Stegling emphasised.

Ms Stegling also outlined the serious consequences of teenage pregnancies, including complications such as womb infections, systemic infections, and birth canal injuries. 

These can lead to abnormal connections between the bladder and birth canal, or between the rectum and birth canal, resulting in uncontrollable passage of urine or faecal matter, she noted.

She further elaborated on the long-term impacts of teenage motherhood, such as reduced educational achievements, ongoing medical complications, limited earning potential, and persistent economic strain. 

She further said children born to teenage mothers often face developmental challenges, both physically and cognitively, along with emotional difficulties.

“This event today is significant, as we, in the DHMT, firmly believe that collaboration with various stakeholders is crucial in addressing the issue of teenage pregnancy. We are sending a clear message to our community: teenage pregnancy is a pressing issue in our district, and it must be prevented. 

The partnership we have built with various groups will continue, ensuring that we work together to combat this problem. Together, we can make a difference,” Ms Stegling concluded. Ends