South Africa: Teenagers March in Kariega for Better Sexual and Reproductive Health Services
South Africa: Teenagers March in Kariega for Better Sexual and ... AllAfrica - Top Africa News
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Partners in Sexual Health Demands Government Action Against Teenage Pregnancy
Partners in Sexual Health director says while government has made some progress, the challenge is in the implementation of its policies
Marchers Demand Government Action
About 100 teenagers marched through Kariega’s city centre on Tuesday to demand government action against teenage pregnancy. The marchers, some dressed in school uniform, were supported by members of Partners in Sexual Health (PSH).
Highlighting the Issue
“Put a spotlight on teenage pregnancy now because we have been spectators for far too long,” shouted Siya Jonas who led the march down Market Street to the Uitenhage Town hall. The marchers were complaining about a lack of political support for safe and friendly sexual and reproductive health services for teenagers across the country.
Alarming Statistics
In a statement Partners in Sexual Health quoted StatsSA which noted that over 90,000 girls aged ten to 19 gave birth between March 2021 to April 2022.
Challenges in Implementation
According to founder Patsy de Lora, “The rate of adolescent pregnancies in South Africa is alarmingly high. The South African government has made some progress in putting in place strategies and policies around teenage pregnancy. However, the challenge is in the implementation of those strategies and policies.”
Voices of the Marchers
Marchers sang songs in Kariega city centre and carried placards that read: “End sexual and gender-based violence”, “More youth friendly clinics” and “My body, my choice.”
Promoting Safe Practices
Khanyisa White, 24, a PSH health promoter from KwaLanga, said she is one of 80 health promoters working in the township and in KwaNobuhle.
She said they urged teenagers to use condoms or practise abstinence to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. “We talk to teenagers on the street corners and at schools, and they tell us that they hate condoms. I always urge them to practise family planning and use condoms or refrain from sexual activities,” she said.
Government’s Response
The marchers’ memorandum was accepted by the City’s sub-district’s health coordinator, Nomvuyiseko Maqokolo, and ward 47 councillor, Lungile Langbooi.
Eastern Cape Health spokesperson Yonela Dekeda said the department aimed to provide comprehensive sexual reproductive health services. “The department launched Youth Zones in health facilities around the province to create services with a youth friendly environment. These facilities provide dedicated time, space and health professionals for young people and make appropriate health services easily accessible to the youth.”
Dekeda said, “Empowering our youth to plan their pregnancies is an important life skill. We provide comprehensive integrated school health services and link schools with partner NGOs.”
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 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.
- SDG 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.
- SDG 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.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of teenage pregnancies
- Availability and accessibility of sexual and reproductive health services for teenagers
- Implementation of strategies and policies related to teenage pregnancy
- Usage of condoms and family planning methods among teenagers
- Existence of youth-friendly clinics
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | – Availability and accessibility of sexual and reproductive health services for teenagers – Usage of condoms and family planning methods among teenagers |
| 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. | – Number of teenage pregnancies – Implementation of strategies and policies related to teenage pregnancy |
| 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. | – Existence of youth-friendly clinics |
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Source: allafrica.com
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