Concerns rise over teenage pregnancy in eThekwini
A 10-year-old girl is among the 7627 young mothers that gave birth in eThekwini between April 2024 and April 2025. The Teenage Pregnancy Indaba also revealed that an average of 582 teenagers per month access safe abortion services at municipal health facilities in eThekwini.
SHOCKING statistics were revealed at the Teenage Pregnancy Indaba where eThekwini Municipality deputy mayor, Councillor Zandile Myeni, confirmed that between April 2024 and April 2025, 7627 girls had become mothers, the youngest at the age of 10.
The Indaba was held on Tuesday at the Durban ICC, tackling one of the city’s biggest concerns. Data presented by eThekwini also showed that there were 154 girls aged between 10 and 14 years that gave birth within that period of 12 months. “Teenage pregnancy is a significant public health concern,” said Myeni. “It signifies that many young people are engaging in unprotected sex, increasing their risk of HIV. The statistics are especially worrying for girls aged 10 to 14.”
High-burden areas identified include Inanda, KwaMashu, Hammarsdale, KwaDabeka, KwaNyuswa, Tshelimnyama, uMlazi and Chatsworth. Myeni called for all hands on deck from parents, teachers, community leaders and government to address this scourge.
Also Read: Campaign launched to fight against teenage pregnancy
“For the province to reduce child and teenage pregnancy, eThekwini Municipality requires a targeted approach and practical solutions before teenage pregnancy becomes a public, social and health crisis. Early pregnancies impact not just the young mother and child, but the entire community. We must also integrate HIV prevention into these efforts,” said Myeni.
The Indaba revealed alarming trends regarding terminations of pregnancy, with an average of 582 teenagers per month accessing safe abortion services at municipal health facilities. The Indaba served the purpose of raising the alarm while highlighting interventions in the Zero Percent Learner Pregnancy Programme, launched two years ago under the District AIDS Council.
It also brought together stakeholders from various sectors to address this pressing social, health and economic challenge. The increasing number of pregnancies among girls aged 10 to 19 in the city has far reaching consequences that include increased HIV infections, school dropouts, and the perpetuation of poverty.
For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
