10 Year Olds Booking At Maternity Units In Marondera…As Early Pregnancies Spike

GIRLS between the ages 10 to 24, have been make a sizable number of antenatal or pregnancy bookings that were recorded at Nyameni and Dombotombo Clinics in Marondera District during the first quarter of the year 2021.

By Michael Gwarisa

Majority of the cases were coming from farming communities surrounding Marondera while some were being recorded within Marondera urban settings according to data that was shared by the Marondera Municipality at an Adolescents Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) meeting in Marondera recently.

152 Antenatal Clinic (ANC) bookings were recorded for girls aged 10 to 24 and the females came with no partners during the first quarter of 2021. The ANC bookings increased by 52 percent compared the 2020 fourth quarter data.

“There were institutional births and many referrals to Marondera Provincial Hospital (MPH) had birth related complications and premature births. We are also still witnessing some home deliveries,” said the data.

The rise in teen pregnancies during the first quarter was recorded despite the increase in the uptake of Family Planning services amongst the 10- and 24-year-olds. For Progesterone Only Pills (POP), uptake was at 130, Combined Oral Contraceptive pill (COC), uptake was at 126 and Depo Provera was at 101.

“There was high uptake of Family Planning services during the lockdown and we offered free services. Condom distribution and uptake rose to 22100 from 16800 recorded in the 4th quarter of 2020. However, there was low female condom uptake, only 46 units were distributed.”

In an Interview with HealthTimes, Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) Provincial Marketing and Communications Officer, Fadzayi Maphosa said they were collaborating with other stakeholders in the province to curb the rise in early unintended pregnancies.

“All first-time pregnancies are referred to Marondera Provincial Hospital.  As the ZNFPC we are providing Information on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services through in schools health talks and discussions. We are also distributing Information Education Material (IEC).

“We are also collaborating with other stakeholders working with young people to conduct outreaches as well as come up with youth programs. We are also providing Clinical service provision including Sexually Transmitted Infections diagnosis and treatment, Family Planning for sexually active young people,” said Maphosa.