Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-04-06 09:42:22
The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has reported a significant reduction in teenage pregnancies in West Nile and Acholi sub-regions over the four years leading up to 2023. According to the findings from the UNFPA ANSWER program, the teenage pregnancy rates in West Nile and Acholi have dropped to 14.6 percent and 15.3 percent, respectively, which is below the national average. This marks a notable improvement from their previous rates of 19.1 percent and 19.3 percent, signifying a positive trend in addressing this issue.
Ms. Gift Malunga, the UNFPA country representative, emphasized that the ANSWER program has been instrumental in increasing the uptake of family planning in these regions. The report indicates that 40 percent of sexually active unmarried women aged 15-49 are now using modern family planning methods, highlighting the positive impact of the program on reproductive health outcomes among young people.
In 2021, a UNFPA report highlighted the prevalence of teenage pregnancies in West Nile, with districts like Arua and Yumbe recording high numbers of cases. Uganda, with a predominantly young population, faces challenges related to teenage pregnancies, necessitating targeted interventions to address this issue effectively.
The report also revealed an increase in the number of new users of modern contraceptives in the two sub-regions, indicating a positive shift towards better reproductive health practices. Additionally, interventions like setting up a blood bank in Nebbi have contributed to reducing maternal mortality rates in the region.
Despite these achievements, challenges persist, particularly regarding cultural norms and access to family planning resources. Dr. Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary in the Health Ministry, highlighted the need to address these barriers and improve the distribution methods of contraceptives to reach more young people effectively.
The evaluation report emphasized the importance of sustained efforts to further reduce teenage pregnancy rates in West Nile and Acholi. The UNFPA ANSWER project has played a crucial role in providing information on sexual and reproductive health rights to over 1.5 million people in these regions, benefiting nearly a million individuals in supported facilities.
Ambassador Karin Boven commended the transformative impact of the $27 million program supported by the Netherlands government in enhancing access to quality sexual and reproductive health services in West Nile and Acholi. She emphasized the importance of a collaborative multi-sectoral approach to drive continued progress in social and human capital development in these regions.
Overall, the findings from the UNFPA report underscore the progress made in reducing teenage pregnancies in West Nile and Acholi, while also highlighting the ongoing challenges and the need for sustained efforts to further improve reproductive health outcomes for young people in these regions.
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