The Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG), Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, has raised concern over the escalating teenage pregnancy rates in Zombo District, which far exceed the national average.
During an unannounced visit to Warri Health Centre IV on Thursday as part of her West Nile Region Spontaneous Visit Program, Twinomugisha observed that half of the expectant mothers attending antenatal services were teenagers aged 15 to 19 years.
Warri Health Centre IV, serving a catchment population of over 32,000, reports an average of 122 monthly deliveries, with teenage mothers accounting for 50%.
According to district data, 3,681 of the 13,961 pregnancies recorded in the last financial year involved teenagers, representing 26.4% of all pregnancies—nearly double the national rate of 14%.
Twinomugisha expressed grave concern about the implications of this trend, particularly its impact on education, economic productivity, and maternal health.
“The high rate of teenage pregnancies in Zombo District is alarming and requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including government, community leaders, and parents. We need to prioritize education and reproductive health awareness to address this crisis,” she stated.
She urged for targeted strategies to prevent early pregnancies and empower girls, including enhanced access to education, reproductive health services, and community-based programs to support young mothers.
Local leaders and health officials acknowledged the challenge, citing cultural norms and economic hardships as key contributors to teenage pregnancies in the region.
They pledged to collaborate with the government and development partners to tackle the issue.
The Deputy IGG’s findings have sparked renewed calls for action to safeguard the future of young girls in Zombo District.
As interventions take shape, stakeholders stress the importance of addressing underlying social and economic factors to create a more supportive environment for girls to thrive.
