CATHERINE MUROMBEDZI
HEALTH CORRESPONDENT

In a bold move to tackle the escalating crisis of teenage pregnancies, the Government of Zimbabwe, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and other stakeholders, launched the groundbreaking “Not-In-My-Village” campaign.
This initiative aims to mobilise community efforts to address the alarming rise in adolescent pregnancies, which have skyrocketed to 22% from 9% in 2016.
A Call to Action from the President of Zimbabwe, His Excellency, Emmerson Mnangagwa, read on his on behalf by the Minister of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) emphasized the need for collective action.
“The fight against teenage pregnancies requires a collective effort. We must work together—government, civil society, development partners, traditional leaders, and communities—to create an environment where every young person can thrive, free from violence, with access to quality education, healthcare, and the opportunities they need to realise their full potential,” said His Excellency.

YOUTH-LED
The “Not-In-My-Village” campaign is spearheaded by adolescents and young people themselves, through the Young People’s Network on Sexual and Reproductive Health, HIV and AIDS, working with the National AIDS Council (NAC) and traditional leaders. Like a movement, the campaign should be a hand me down programme with renewed vigour.
This empowering approach ensures that young people are at the forefront of the campaign.
The campaign is informed by a comprehensive National Assessment on Adolescent Pregnancies in Zimbabwe, conducted by the Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research Zimbabwe. The study reveals shocking statistics, including 358,458 pregnant adolescents and 1,532 maternal deaths among young women under 24 years.

“Child abuse casts a shadow the length of a lifetime.”

The “Not-In-My-Village” (kwete kudunhu kwedu) has received support from various development partners, including the Government of Ireland, representing the Health Resilience Fund funding partners, the Government of Britain and the European Union, the Governments of Sweden and Australia.
Ms Miranda Tabifor, UNFPA Representative reiterated the importance of data as it helped to reach an informed policy decision.
“Data is important for decision makers as it helps shape policies, direct actions and advise on development options in a way that reflects the needs of everyone. The National Assessment on Adolescent Pregnancies in Zimbabwe has provided us with critical information on the magnitude of the problem, and we will use this data to inform our programming and policy decisions,” said Tabifor.
Mr Edward Kallon, United Nations and Humanitarian Coordinator is concerned that the environment must enable girls to reach their full potential.
“The United Nations is firmly committed to working with your Government to address this population issue. Through programmes such as the Health Resilience Fund, Safeguard Young People Programme, and 2Gether4SRHR, critical investments to improve the education, health, and wellbeing of young people are being made that will contribute to preventing teenage pregnancy and ensuring girls reach their full potential,” said Mr Kallon.
Ireland stressed its commitment to quality education.
“We are committed to supporting the Government of Zimbabwe’s efforts to address teenage pregnancies and ensure that young people, especially girls, have access to quality education, healthcare, and opportunities,” said the Government of Ireland representative.
They are committed to addressing teenage pregnancies and ensuring young people, especially girls, have access to quality education, healthcare, and opportunities.

BEACON OF HOPE
As Zimbabwe moves forward in addressing teenage pregnancies, the “Not-In-My-Village” campaign serves as a powerful reminder that collective efforts can create a brighter future for young people. By empowering youth and providing them with access to quality education, healthcare, and opportunities, Zimbabwe can break the cycle of teenage pregnancies and ensure young people reach their full potential.
As Zimbabwe moves forward in addressing teenage pregnancies, the “Not-In-My-Village” campaign serves as a reminder that collective efforts are needed to create a brighter future for young people. By empowering youth and providing them with access to quality education, healthcare, and opportunities, Zimbabwe can reduce teenage pregnancies and ensure that young people reach their full potential.
Experts warn of the devastating effects of the El Nino induced drought. Young girls are vulnerable to the hardships and the offer of meager handouts by sex predators. Young girls and adolescents are food insecure and are at high risk of sexually transmitted infections and HIV.
Child abuse is a preventable tragedy. We must work together to create a world where no child suffers from the hidden horrors of abuse.
Together, we can create a world where every child can grow up free from fear, free from violence, and free to reach their full potential
“Child abuse casts a shadow the length of a lifetime.” – Herbert Ward.
The future of our world depends on the future of our children. Let’s work together to stop child abuse and child marriage.

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