‘Alarming’ teenage pregnancy, child mental health issues beset WV

Alarming Rates of Teenage Pregnancy and Mental Health Problems in Western Visayas

Introduction

By Mariela Angella Oladive

During the kick-off of the 31st National Children’s Month (NCM) celebration on November 8, 2023, at the Punta Villa Resort, Iloilo City, alarming rates of teenage pregnancy and mental health problems in Western Visayas were discussed. The regional coordinator of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children (DSWD-RSCWC), Franz Hermocillas, emphasized the need for public attention to these twin issues.

Teenage Pregnancy

According to data presented by DSWD children focal Mariecar Labinghisa, there has been a significant increase in teenage pregnancies in Western Visayas in 2022. The number rose to 7,703 from 6,293 in the previous year, with Negros Occidental experiencing the highest rate. This surge is attributed to the overall population increase in Negros. The Adolescent Birth Rate for girls aged 15-19 stands at 22.31%, with 857 cases resulting in fetal deaths. The percentage of adolescent girls aged 10-14 who had four prenatal check-ups is only at 0.13%, while for those aged 15-19, it is significantly higher at 70.50%.

Mental Health Problems

Data on suicide incidence in Western Visayas revealed a disconcerting number of cases from January to July 2023. There were 21 reported cases in the 3-16 age group and 102 cases in the young adults (17-30 years old) category. Comparing these figures to previous years, there is a growing trend. Family problems are identified as the primary cause of suicide in the region.

Government Initiatives

In response to the rising teenage pregnancy issues, the Department of Health (DOH) has established Adolescent Health Friendly facilities in every province and highly urbanized city in the region. These facilities provide health services, counseling, family planning, HIV screening, and mental health services to adolescents. The DOH also mentioned the Mental Connect helpline, which aims to provide better support for mental health issues.

The National Anti-Poverty Commission-Children Basic Sector representative, Josh Cezar Serilo, emphasized the importance of empowering children and addressing their issues. The upcoming implementation of the Makabata helpline 1383 by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children (RSCWC) was also highlighted. This helpline aims to protect children’s rights and offer prompt response, monitoring, and feedback through various communication channels.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The alarming rates of teenage pregnancy and mental health problems in Western Visayas highlight the need to address these issues in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being emphasizes the importance of promoting mental health and well-being for all ages. Goal 5: Gender Equality calls for the empowerment of women and girls, including access to sexual and reproductive health services. Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities aims to reduce inequalities within and among countries, including addressing the disparities in teenage pregnancy rates. These SDGs provide a framework for addressing these pressing social and health issues.

Conclusion

The alarming rates of teenage pregnancy and mental health problems in Western Visayas require urgent attention and action. Government initiatives, such as the establishment of Adolescent Health Friendly facilities and helplines, are steps towards addressing these issues. However, more efforts are needed to ensure the well-being and rights of children in the region. By aligning with the SDGs, stakeholders can work together to create a brighter future for the children of Western Visayas.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs.
   • Indicator 3.7.2: Adolescent birth rate (aged 10-14 years; aged 15-19 years) per 1,000 women in that age group.
   • Indicator 3.7.3: Proportion of women aged 15-49 years who make their own informed decisions regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use, and reproductive health care.

2. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.
   • Indicator 4.7.2: Percentage of schools that provide life skills-based HIV and sexuality education within the national curriculum.

3. SDG 5: Gender Equality

   • Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Program of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences.
   • Indicator 5.6.1: Proportion of women aged 15-49 years who make their own informed decisions regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use, and reproductive health care.

4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
   • Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:

   • Target 3.7: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs.
   • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.
   • Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.

3. Are there any

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   Source: dailyguardian.com.ph

    

   

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