BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE– The government of the Kingdom of Eswatini has taken a bold step against teenage and school-going children pregnancy.
They have also been supported by the United States of America (USA) Embassy.
Chargé ď Affaires Earl Miller joined the Minister of Education and Training Lady Howard Mabuza, United Nations Resident Coordinator George Wachira, other dignitaries, and education sector stakeholders in launching the Pregnancy Prevention and Management Policy and Guidelines at an event held at Mhubhe High school.
He said this was a game changer for young women and girls in Eswatini because in Eswatini and around the world, including the United States, pregnant and parenting teens face enormous challenges in accomplishing their educational goals.
The campaign will focus on health by advocating for increased access to sexual reproductive health services (including contraception) for all adolescents and young people, without judgement or discrimination.
It will also ensure that adolescents and young people have access to good quality comprehensive sexuality education to equip them to make informed life choices and prevent early and unintended pregnancy.
In addition, the campaign will ensure that all adolescents and young people know their rights and are empowered to make decisions regarding sexuality, health and education that will allow them to reach their full potential.
Applauding the Ministry of Education and Training for taking such a bold and necessary policy step, Chargé Miller mentioned that through the PEPFAR DREAM program, the United States Government already works closely with the Ministry of Education to identify teens that have dropped out due to pregnancy and support them financially to re-enroll.
“DREAMS operate in 36 Tinkhundla across the four regions of the country. It prioritises pregnancy prevention interventions by providing youth-friendly services in health facilities and DREAMS on wheels mobile outreach, but also supports pregnant and lactating young mothers by connecting them through Mommy WhatsApp groups. This connects the young mothers in a unique support network to ensure both mother and baby remain HIV-free,” he said.
Lady Howard appealed for better coordination in the implementation of the campaign to ensure that it achieves results in the shortest possible time.
“Partners need to spread out in a very systematic way to ensure that we reach as many target groups as possible and that we are not duplicating efforts,” she said.
Adding that there is a need to reach both in and out-of-school youth. She also observed that some practices were not in the best interest of the child. “I am personally against this practice of expelling girl children from school just because they fell pregnant because you that in most cases they are victims of sexual violence,” she said much to a round of applause.
Photo Cred: U.S. Embassy Eswatini
