Health officials have expressed concern over the rising number of teenage pregnancies in eThekwini, revealing that 7 627 cases were recorded between April 2024 and April 2025, including 154 girls aged between 10 and 14.
The data were presented at a Teenage Pregnancy Indaba hosted by the eThekwini Municipality last week, attended by government departments, teachers, health professionals and civil society to address the escalating crisis.
Deputy Mayor Councillor Zandile Myeni said the pregnancies affected not just the young mother and child but also entire communities.
“For the province to reduce these numbers, a targeted approach and practical solutions are urgently needed,” she urged.
IOL reports that the city’s health data also highlighted an escalating trend in teenage terminations, with an average of 582 young girls using abortion services at municipal facilities every month.
Officials warned that the actual figure could be significantly higher when factoring in unsafe procedures performed outside the formal health system.
One of the key initiatives showcased during the Indaba was the “Zero Percent Learner Pregnancy Programme”, introduced under the District Aids Council, which aims to keep girls in school while promoting sexual and reproductive health education among pupils.
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