Lupane pregnancy spike and STI shock

Teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise among adolescents aged 15 to 19 in St Paul's ward, Lupane District, despite a significant decline in HIV prevalence, the National AIDS Council (NAC) has revealed.

NAC Lupane District Programme Assistant Thandolwenkosi Vela raised concern during a media tour in the district yesterday, warning that the growing number of young people engaging in risky sexual behaviour could reverse recent public health gains.

"Last year we recorded 66 teenage pregnancies in this age group. This year we already have 69 before the end of the year. STI cases have jumped from 24 in 2024 to 50 this year," said Vela.

She attributed the surge to "bush boarding" arrangements - informal accommodations used by learners near a local boarding school - which have become breeding grounds for risky behaviour.

"Many parents cannot afford official boarding fees, so students rent nearby rooms and live unsupervised. With a shopping centre close by, many of these learners end up in relationships that expose them to sexual exploitation, pregnancies, and STIs. Most of them cannot negotiate safe sex and are trying to meet their daily needs," Vela said.

Despite these worrying trends, Lupane District has recorded progress in the fight against HIV, with prevalence dropping from 18.54 percent in 2024 to 15.5 percent this year.

To curb the rising cases of teenage pregnancies and STIs, NAC has intensified implementation of the Sista2Sista programme in the district. The initiative pairs trained mentors with adolescent girls and young women, providing education on HIV prevention, sexual health, and life skills while empowering them to make informed choices.

Vela said NAC would continue working with schools, parents, and community leaders to ensure that adolescents have access to accurate information, counselling, and support systems to help them avoid risky behaviour.