Lusaka, Zambia – March 3, 2026 - The Ministry of Health Zambia (MOH) has expressed concern over the alarming rise in unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young people in the country.
Speaking in Lusaka during the launch of the Comprehensive Health Options through Innovative Community Engagement (CHOICE) Programme, Health Representative Dr. Matilda Simpungwe called for urgent interventions to address the growing public health challenge.
Dr. Simpungwe emphasized the need for enhanced life-skills health education and improved access to sexual and reproductive health services for adolescents and young people.
“Recent statistics reveal that Eastern, Southern, and Central provinces top the list in teenage pregnancies,” she said, noting that the trend remains a significant concern for the health sector.
Dr. Simpungwe, who also serves as Public Health Director, stated that sexual and reproductive health issues require coordinated action from government, cooperating partners, communities, and families.
The Ministry of Health, in partnership with Oxfam, is set to implement the CHOICE Programme in Central and Southern Provinces. The initiative aims to strengthen community engagement, improve awareness, and expand access to youth-friendly health services.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders to reduce teenage pregnancies and curb the spread of STIs through education, prevention, and access to essential health services.
By Samuel Mbewe
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