In an effort to combat the alarming rise in teenage pregnancies in the Oti Region—where over 4,000 cases were recorded between 2023 and August 2024—okada riders in the Krachi East Municipality have been called upon to help tackle the issue. This initiative is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Oti Regional Co-ordinating Council (ORCC) alongside the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, and the Social Welfare Department, with support from the UNFPA.
The rise in teenage pregnancies presents a major challenge, threatening the health, education, and future economic opportunities of young girls in the region. At a workshop held in Dambai, Juliet Akorfa Akorlie, the Adolescent Focal Person for Krachi East, urged okada riders to use their influence to raise awareness about sexual health and encourage responsible behaviour among the youth. She emphasized that teenage pregnancies not only impact the immediate health of young girls but also have long-term effects on their educational and economic prospects.
Akorlie also highlighted the importance of informing teenagers about the availability of support services, including counseling and health clinics, which can assist them in making informed decisions about their reproductive health.
In response, the okada riders pledged their support, committing to actively engaging young girls in their communities, offering guidance, and helping to educate them about the risks and consequences of early pregnancies. They expressed their desire to be part of the solution, aiming to help curb the growing teenage pregnancy crisis in the region.
SOURCE: https://dew360.net
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