Namibia: 66% of Teen Pregnancies From Rural Areas
[Namibian] Pupils from rural areas make up about 66% of teenage pregnancies in Namibia, while young mothers in rural communities are also less likely to return to school than their urban peers.
According to a report by Namibia's Ministry of Education, over two-thirds of teenage pregnancies in the country occur in rural areas. Young mothers in these regions face significant challenges returning to school after giving birth, with reintegration rates notably lower than their urban counterparts. Executive Director Erastus Haitengela notes that most affected pupils are between 16 and 20 years old, with the majority in Grades 8 to 12.
The report indicates that rural pupil mothers are less likely to return to school, especially in the Kunene and Ohangwena regions. Teenage pregnancies have decreased from 1.97% in 2022 to 1.34% in 2024, while the proportion of returning students rose from 51.5% to 53.9% in 2024. The primary factors contributing to teenage pregnancy include poverty, peer pressure, transactional relationships, substance abuse, unequal gender relations, and limited access to contraception and sexual health information.
Haitengela emphasizes that pregnant pupils and parents have the right to continue their education without discrimination. Schools are encouraged to provide counseling, support, and referrals to health services. The ministry plans to collaborate with various stakeholders to reduce teenage pregnancy and improve school retention rates.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
