Health expert says teenage pregnancy predisposes girls to reproductive health risks

A Community Health Expert, Prof. Christiana Campbell, says teenage pregnancy could expose the girl-child to devastating reproductive health issues.

Campbell, a former National President of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

According to her, teenage pregnancy is also capable of exposing girls to overwhelming social, educational, economic and health challenges and sometimes death.

“Teenage pregnancy is associated with obstetrics complications such as obstructed labour, Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) and young first-time mothers and their children are especially vulnerable to poor health outcomes.

“It poses serious public health issues and achieving girls’ education remains a crucial issue in Nigeria.

“It is important to raise awareness of the extent of teenage pregnancy and engaging communities through public campaigns and educate parents, community leaders and policy makers about the health implications of teenage pregnancy.’’

Campbell said that teenage pregnancy could be reduced by investing in child survival and health programmes, as well as giving priority to free and qualitative education for all.

She called on governments at all levels to strengthen the girl-child education to stem the rate of teenage pregnancies in the country.