KZN govt launches masterplan to curb alarming number of teen pregnancies

The KwaZulu-Natal government has launched a child and teenage pregnancy masterplan to curb the alarming number of teenage pregnancies in the province.

This is also set to help in the fight against HIV.

Between April and December 2024, over 26,515 pregnancies were recorded from persons aged 10 to 19 years old.

Out of the number, 1,254 were children aged 14 years old and below.

Various departments, including the premier’s office, health, education and social development, officially launched what they term a strategy to curb the scourge.

Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli addressed the official launch at the Ugu Sport Centre in the KZN south coast.

"Honoured guests, we are gathered to confront a crisis that strikes at the very heart of our province's future and directly undermines our fight against HIV and AIDS. 

"Let me be clear, if we do not address the twin scourges of child pregnancy and HIV, KwaZulu-Natal cannot grow into the thriving province we know it can be."

Ntuli said child pregnancy stripped young girls of their future.

"This issue robs our young people of their childhood and their future. It fuels a cycle of poverty and poor health that passes from one generation to the next."