15% of Nigerian girls involved in teenage pregnancies – News – The Guardian Nigeria News

About 15 percent of young Nigerian girls between the ages of 15 and 19 have experienced pregnancy, according to the latest Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2023-24.

The NDHS report, which was released to the News Agency of Nigeria yesterday in Abuja, reveals a teenage pregnancy rate of 15 percent among girls across the country.

The report described the situation as an urgent national health problem requiring urgent intervention. It said rates were significantly higher in rural areas, especially in the North West and North East.

It described the risks of teen pregnancy, including complications to maternal health, loss of educational opportunities and increasing cycles of poverty.
Furthermore, it was found that 11% of girls had already given birth, with 4% currently pregnant and 2% experiencing a pregnancy loss, reflecting potential gaps in access to healthcare and
support.

In terms of socio-economic and educational impacts, the report states that teenage pregnancy rates were significantly higher among girls from lower wealth quintiles and with limited education.

It was explained that poverty and limited opportunities contributed to the problems.

Meanwhile, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Minister of Health and Human Services, highlighted current policies and initiatives aimed at reducing teenage pregnancies, such as sexual and reproductive health education, access to contraceptives and youth support programs.

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