About 15 per cent of young Nigerian girls aged 15-19 have experienced pregnancy, according to the latest Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2023-24.

The NDHS report, released to the News Agency of Nigeria yesterday in Abuja, reveals a teenage pregnancy rate of 15 per cent among girls across the nation.

The report described the situation as a pressing national health issue requiring urgent intervention. It said that the rates were significantly higher in rural areas, particularly in the Northwest and Northeast.

It described the risks of teenage pregnancy to include maternal health complications, loss of educational opportunities, and increased poverty cycles.
It further indicated that 11% of the girls had already given birth, with 4% currently pregnant and 2% experiencing pregnancy loss, reflecting potential gaps in healthcare access and
support.

Addressing the socioeconomic and educational impacts, the report said that teenage pregnancy rates were notably higher among girls from lower wealth quintiles and with limited educational attainment.

It explained that poverty and restricted opportunities contributed to problem.

Meanwhile, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, highlighted current policies and initiatives aimed at curbing teenage pregnancy, such as sexual and reproductive health education, access to contraceptives, and youth support programmes.

Dr Aminu Magashi, Coordinator of the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN), stressed the importance of expanding initiatives focused on education, healthcare access, and community support to reduce teenage pregnancy and improve reproductive health among adolescents.