Teenage pregnancy a national emergency - 850 cases in 2024

Teenage pregnancy a national emergency - 850 cases in 2024 Subheadline: Shame should never fall on the young mothers – Ravunawa

Alarming statistics show that more than 850 teenage pregnancies were recorded in 2024 and this is nearly double the figure from the previous year.

Assistant Minister for Health, Penioni Ravunawa sounds the alarm on the escalating crisis of teenage pregnancy, calling it a national emergency that demands urgent, united action.

While making the end of the week statement in parliament, Ravunawa says shockingly, 17 of the girls who gave birth last year were under the age of 15, some as young as 12 or 13.

He says these are not just numbers, but children forced into motherhood, often as a result of rape, incest, and abuse — not by strangers, but by family members or trusted community leaders.

The Assistant Minister stresses that teenage pregnancy is not merely a health issue, but a social justice crisis that is deeply tied to gender-based violence, poverty, and the breakdown of protection systems.

He highlights that girls with disabilities face even higher risks, with limited access to sexual and reproductive health services.

He adds that the human impact is devastating, as young mothers often drop out of school, face higher health risks, and struggle with poverty, stigma, and rejection.

Ravunawa says the shame should never fall on the young mothers, but on the abuser and the system that failed them. Insert: Ravunawa teenage pregnancy 3rd Oct 25 PT

The Assistant Minister calls for the creation of a National Teenage Pregnancy Response Task Force, similar to the country’s COVID-19 response model, urging all government ministries, churches, communities, NGOs, and the private sector to work together.

He also urges the media and society to shine a light on these issues responsibly and not to shame, but to educate, empower, and inspire action.