ABOUT TEEN PREGNANCY | AFFINITY HEALTH
To commemorate Pregnancy Awareness Week (10-16 February), Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, highlights ways to prevent and address teen pregnancy.
Teen Pregnancy Rates in South Africa
Teen pregnancy is a significant issue in South Africa, with rates of teen pregnancy remaining high. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), South Africa has one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy globally, with nearly one in four girls becoming pregnant before age 20.
Various factors such as lack of access to sexual education and contraception, cultural and societal attitudes towards sex, poverty, and lack of access to healthcare increase teenage pregnancy rates.
“The latest adolescent pregnancy data from Statistics South Africa shows that 90 037 girls aged 10 to 19 years gave birth from March 2021 to April 2022 across all provinces,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
“Addressing teen pregnancy in South Africa will require a multifaceted approach that addresses these underlying issues and supports pregnant and parenting teens.”
By implementing these ten strategies suggested by Affinity Health, we can all work towards reducing teen pregnancy rates and improving outcomes for teens and their children.
Provide Comprehensive Sex Education in Schools
Studies have shown that comprehensive sex education can help reduce teen pregnancy rates. According to a review of sex education programmes by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), programmes that include information on both contraception and abstinence can help reduce rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among teens.
Improve Access to Contraception
Improved access to contraception can help reduce teen pregnancy rates. This can include increasing funding for family planning clinics and ensuring that teens have access to affordable and effective methods of contraception.
Increase Awareness of The Risks of STIs
According to the CDC, teens are at increased risk of STIs, including HIV. By raising awareness of the dangers of STIs, teens may be more likely to use contraception to reduce their risk of infection.
Address Poverty and Lack of Access to Healthcare
Teens who live in poverty or lack access to healthcare are at increased risk of unintended pregnancy. By addressing these socioeconomic concerns, we can help reduce teen pregnancy rates.
Promote Healthy Relationships and Communication
Teenagers with healthy relationships and good communication skills are less likely to become pregnant. Essentially, we can help reduce rates of teen pregnancy when we improve healthy relationships and communication amongst teens.
Support Parenting Teens
Teens who become parents are at increased risk of poor outcomes, including dropping out of school and living in poverty. By supporting parenting teens, we can help improve outcomes for both teens and their children.
Encourage Father Involvement
Father involvement can positively impact both the child and the mother. When we encourage father involvement, we improve future outcomes for both teens and their children.
Address Societal Attitudes and Stereotypes
Societal attitudes and stereotypes about teen pregnancy can contribute to the problem. By addressing these attitudes and stereotypes, we can help reduce teen pregnancy rates.
Provide Support for Pregnant and Parenting Teens
Pregnant and parenting teens need support, such as access to healthcare, education, and other services.
Encourage Community Involvement
Community involvement can be an effective way to prevent teen pregnancy. By encouraging community involvement, we can help reduce rates of teen pregnancy.
About Affinity Health
Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading provider of health insurance, offering you a range of options at affordable rates including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, your budget, and your lifestyle. Our range of healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to always give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service at all times. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.