By Francis Chipalo in Petauke
A Zambian charity is calling on churches to hold lessons on sexual and reproductive health for young people to help reduce the country’s high rate of teenage pregnancies.
Ruth Machina, head of the Epistles of Christ Network Foundation, says moral decay among youths is a major cause of the problem.
Recent data shows that 29% of girls aged 15 to 19 in Zambia have already had a child. The issue is worse in rural areas, where early pregnancies are becoming increasingly common.
The government has also reported that 11% of Zambians are living with HIV, with many infections linked to early pregnancies among teenagers.
Machina described the situation as “very worrying” and urged churches to start open discussions with young people about sexual health.
“Children as young as 15 are getting pregnant as if it’s a competition,”she said. “The church must step in and educate them.”
She also called on traditional leaders to punish those who abuse girls.
Her organisation is running door-to-door campaigns in Eastern Province to teach families about reproductive health.
“Parents and churches must talk to children about these issues,”Machina said. “If we don’t act now, the future of our girls is at risk.”
A new three-year project, “Empowered Communities for Sustainable Reproductive Health and Rights,”has been launched in 10 districts to tackle the problem.
Machina stressed that ending teen pregnancies requires everyone—families, churches, and leaders—to work together.
