TEENAGE MOTHERS SHOULD BE SUPPORTED

Despite the reduction in the teenage pregnancy rates in Uganda, significant percentage occurrences still prevail in all parts of the Country, impeding the attainment of safe maternal and newborn health. Uganda still has the highest teenage pregnancy rate in sub-Saharan Africa, with half of its girls giving birth before the age of 18. Some give birth to healthy children, but for many, pregnancy was unplanned, birth comes too early and the experience is one of fear and pain.

According to the 2006 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey, one out of every four teenagers is pregnant. This represents about 25% of the teenagers getting pregnant annually. 
However, UNFPA explains that this reduced from 43% in 1995 to about 31% in 2005. The decline was attributed to contraceptive use and education. 

Studies have shown that a teenage mother is four times more likely to die from pregnancy related complications than mothers above twenty years. 

To ensure reduced mortality and morbidity from teenage pregnancy, a continuum of care must be given to the teenage mothers until delivery. In such care, education to teenagers embodying the identification of signs of complicated pregnancy, access to early antenatal care services, plans for birth and prevention of further unintended pregnancy is paramount. 

However, it has been commonly perceived that when a girl gets pregnant, she is considered a disgrace to the society and is often abandoned leaving her headed to a more sinister life. This increases the probability of abortion with its whole package of complications. Abortions in Uganda are commonest among teenagers and are associated with a high mortality and long term complications including infertility. The best and possibly only way to prevent this is by social, psychological and financial support to the pregnant teenager. This should include counseling and capacity building since most girls drop out of school after the pregnancy.

Teenage Mothers Center based in Wakiso district is oriented towards the attainment of the above goals. It receives and takes care of pregnant teenagers who in most cases have been abandoned by their families and neglected by their partners. It has a vision of having teenagers free from the consequences of premarital and unhealthy sexual encounters. Most of these Teenagers are Primary and early Secondary school drop outs inadequately exposed to Adolescent sexual and reproductive health services.

With support from partners and stake holders, I am optimistic that TMC will be a great tool in fighting psychosocial and economic complications associated with teenage pregnancy.

Criscent Tumuhaise

MBChB V, Makerere University

0776738723