JAMES IGBINOSA
World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday called on Delta State government and other stakeholders in the health sector to address the increasing cases of adolescent pregnancy among the girl child to reduce the trend in the State.
Speaking at one day programme of the Delivery Innovation in Self Care 1.0, State Level Projects Dessimination in collaboration with Society for family Health held in Asaba, WHO State coordinator, Dr. Faith Ireye said the adolescent pregnancy within 14 and 19 age bracket in the State is worrisome.
Dr. Ireye stated that the area of adolescent pregnancy has to be taken care of because currently four percent of pregnancy that we have in the State now are adolescent people.
She said there was need to ensure that more women get information about the family planning, saying this is the time for government to take decision, by way of educating the girl child in order to reduce the adolescent pregnancy to the barest minimum.
According to her, “if they have information, and well guarded with the information at their disposal, it will be possible to crash it below four percent self care”.
The state commissioner for health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme said the State would “remain steadfast in our commitment to structures built by the state which were supported wholeheartedly by the DISC project, leveraging its successes and insights to inform future interventions and initiatives”
Onojaeme, who spoke through the permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Philomena Okeowo, hinted that the State is concerned about equitable access to Reproductive health services, with particular emphasis to self care by ensuring that every individual can exercise their Reproductive rights and live healthy, and fulfilling lives.
He applauded the Society for Family Health, healthcare providers, community leaders, and all stakeholders for contributing to the Success of the DISC project in the State
