South Sudan registered a very high rate of adolescent pregnancy which needed urgent attention.
National Health Undersecretary Matur Makur Koryom told the gathering celebrating
World Population Day on Thursday that in South Sudan out of 1,000 deliveries 300 are of adolescent mothers, Bakhita Radio reported.
Dr Makur said this year’s celebration under the theme ‘Adolescent pregnancy is not just a health issue, it is a development issue’ aimed to raise awareness in the communities and all levels of government for the problem of teenage mothers.
He said the ministry is working hard with the line ministries to address the issues of adolescent pregnancy.
13-year old Emmanuela Cornelio blamed parents for forcing their girls into early marriage rather than focusing on their education.
She said parents consider girls as money providers.
Ms Cornelio called on parents to support their daughters’ education.
United Nations Population Fund representative Barnabas Tisa urged the government to enact laws that protect girls from early pregnancy.