In an emotional plea, Dr. Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, called on stakeholders to step out of their comfort zones and actively tackle the issues of teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Speaking at the national launch of the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children by 2030, Dr. Atwine emphasized the need for stakeholders to engage with young people directly and make a difference in their lives.
Dr. Atwine stressed that simply designing guidelines and strategies is inadequate. It is crucial for stakeholders to actively reach out to young people, listen to their concerns, and address their problems. She recounted a recent encounter with teenage mothers at a health facility near a fishing community, where she was deeply moved by the plight of girls as young as 12 years old who were pregnant. Dr. Atwine urged everyone to prioritize these children and their needs.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Dr. Atwine revealed that she had scheduled an urgent meeting with representatives from the ministries of Gender and Education to discuss the challenges faced by learners. She emphasized the importance of investing in young people, addressing issues such as poverty and cultural barriers that lead to school dropouts, and tackling HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancy. Dr. Atwine highlighted the need to create a safe environment where young people can be heard, understood, and supported.
Alarming statistics from the United Nations Population Fund (UNPA) indicate that between 2020 and 2021, approximately 32,000 teenagers in Uganda became pregnant every month during the COVID-19 pandemic, when schools were closed. Additionally, data from the Uganda Aids Commission (UAC) reveals that of the 52,000 new HIV infections in 2022, 19,000 occurred among young people aged 15 to 24, with young women disproportionately affected. Among adolescents, 8,600 new HIV infections were reported, with 8,000 cases affecting girls.
Dr. Cordelia Katureebe, the national coordinator of HIV Care and Treatment at the Ministry of Health, also spoke at the event. She emphasized the need to strengthen the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, encourage pregnant women to attend antenatal care, and promote giving birth at health facilities. Dr. Katureebe highlighted the progress made in reducing mother-to-child HIV transmission from 20,000 cases in 2010 to 5,900 cases in 2022.
Stakeholders at the event also stressed the importance of empowering children to report cases of sexual violence, which contributes to the rising number of teenage pregnancies. Education experts emphasized that education is not only about academic subjects but also about helping children grow and navigate challenging situations. They called for the implementation of a sexuality framework to empower learners with information and knowledge to protect themselves and report incidents.
Dr. Atwine's emotional plea serves as a reminder that urgent action is needed to address the pressing issues of teenage pregnancies and STIs in Uganda. Stakeholders from various sectors must work together to engage with young people directly, provide necessary support, and create an environment where their well-being is safeguarded. Only through such concerted efforts can the country invest in a brighter future for its youth.
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