Teenage pregnancies haunt Zimbabwe

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo has warned that adolescent pregnancies continue to pose a serious threat to Zimbabwe's social and economic development by limiting opportunities for young people and undermining national development goals.

Speaking at the launch of the National Framework for the Prevention and Response to Adolescent Pregnancies at Goromonzi High School, Moyo said teenage pregnancies remain a significant challenge with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families and communities.

"How we support and invest in young people today will determine the kind of stable and prosperous world we build for future generations," Moyo said.

He noted that adolescent pregnancies negatively affect educational attainment, gender equality, health outcomes, productivity and social cohesion, while contributing to cycles of poverty that can persist across generations.

"It affects our ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, our efforts to realise Agenda 2030 and our aspirations under Vision 2030," he said.

Moyo added that when young people are forced to leave school prematurely or become trapped in poverty and violence, the effects are felt not only by affected families but by the nation as a whole.

The National Framework for the Prevention and Response to Adolescent Pregnancies was launched by the Government of Zimbabwe in partnership with several United Nations agencies, including United Nations Population Fund, UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa and UNICEF Zimbabwe.

Authorities said the framework adopts a comprehensive approach that seeks to strengthen collaboration among government ministries, development partners, schools, communities and families in preventing adolescent pregnancies and supporting young people who are affected.

Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire said investing in children and adolescents is essential for the country's future prosperity.

"If we want a prosperous nation tomorrow, we must invest in the well-being of our children today," Machakaire said.

The framework also seeks to address some of the underlying causes of adolescent pregnancies, including poverty, harmful cultural practices and child marriages.

It incorporates the Government's "Not in My Village" campaign, which is aimed at protecting children from abuse, exploitation and other forms of vulnerability.

Government and development partners said the initiative is expected to help keep more girls in school, improve access to healthcare and social support services, promote gender equality and create a safer environment for young people.

Officials believe the framework will provide a coordinated national response to adolescent pregnancies while supporting Zimbabwe's broader development agenda and efforts to improve outcomes for children and adolescents.