Approximately 15 per cent of young Nigerian women aged 15-19 have experienced pregnancy, according to the latest Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2023-24.

The NDHS report, released on Monday in Abuja, reveals a teenage pregnancy rate of 15 per cent among girls aged 15-19 across the nation.

The report described the situation as a pressing national health issue requiring urgent intervention.

It said the rates were significantly higher in rural areas, particularly in the North-West and North-East regions.

It described the risks linked to teenage pregnancy, including maternal health complications, loss of educational opportunities, and increased poverty cycles.

It further indicated that 11 per cent of these young women had already given birth, with four per cent currently pregnant and two per cent experiencing pregnancy loss, reflecting potential gaps in healthcare access and support.

The report said that teenage pregnancy rates were notably higher among girls from lower wealth quintiles and with limited educational attainment.

It explained that poverty and restricted opportunities contributed to the problem.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate highlighted current policies and initiatives to curb teenage pregnancy, such as sexual and reproductive health education, access to contraceptives, and youth support programmes.

Aminu Magashi, coordinator of the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN), stressed the importance of expanding initiatives focused on education, healthcare access, and community support to reduce teenage pregnancy and improve adolescent reproductive health.

“By providing teenagers with accurate information on reproductive health, contraception, and healthy relationships, we empower them to make informed decisions,” Mr Magashi said.

He further said state governments were implementing programmes to make contraceptives, including long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), accessible, especially in rural areas where teenage pregnancy rates remain high.

He explained the need for youth-friendly health services and training providers to offer non-judgmental care, as many teenagers still face stigma when seeking contraceptives.

Chika Offor, executive director of the Vaccine Network for Disease Control, said technology such as telemedicine and digital platforms also played a role by providing discreet access to information and resources.

“These platforms offer teenagers a safe way to learn about reproductive health without fear of judgment,” Ms Offor said.

As Nigeria bolsters these efforts through policies and partnerships, Ms Offor expressed hope that comprehensive support would foster healthier, empowered adolescents, thereby reducing teenage pregnancy rates and improving reproductive health outcomes.

(NAN)