Dokolo, Uganda | Authorities in Dokolo District have attributed the high rate of teenage pregnancies to increasing school dropout among adolescent girls, warning that the trend is undermining efforts to protect young people.
The concern was raised in a presentation by the Assistant District Health Officer in charge of Maternal and Child Health (ADHO-MCH), Constansia Alela, during the national Teenage Pregnancy Surveillance and Response (TPSR) platform meeting held on Friday.
According to the report, girls who drop out of school are more exposed to early sexual activity, exploitation, and eventual pregnancy compared to those who remain in school.
“Keeping girls in school remains one of the most effective ways of preventing teenage pregnancies,” Alela noted.
Data from selected sub-counties paints a worrying picture:
- Adeknino Sub-county recorded the highest spike at 40%.
- Bata Town Council/Bata Sub-county stand at 32%.
- Okwalongwen Sub-county recorded 29%.
- Amwoma Sub-county stands at 21%.
The district average currently stands at 24%, with a target to reduce it to 18% by June 2026.
The report highlights several factors contributing to school dropout, including poverty, early marriages, weak parental supervision, and limited access to menstrual hygiene support.
Officials also pointed to cultural practices and low awareness among parents about the importance of educating the girl child as contributing to the problem.
Health officials warned that school dropout not only increases the risk of teenage pregnancy but also limits access to reproductive health information and services, leaving adolescents vulnerable.
Many girls who become pregnant fail to return to school, perpetuating cycles of poverty and dependency.
Dokolo District is implementing measures to address the challenge, including community sensitisation, strengthening child protection systems, and promoting adolescent-friendly health services.
The district is also working with local leaders and schools to encourage retention and support re-entry of pregnant girls and young mothers into the education system.
Authorities have called for a collective effort from parents, teachers, and community leaders to ensure that children stay in school.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts under the TPSR framework aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy rates in the district.
The Ministry of Health continues to coordinate national efforts to address teenage pregnancy and improve adolescent health outcomes across the country.
