UNFPA launches ‘Time With Grandma’; to ease teenage pregnancy
A total of 501 adolescents got pregnant in the Assin South District of the Central Region in 2018.
This was 18 per cent of all pregnancies in the district and higher than the 14 per cent national figure recorded last year.
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The Public Health directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in the region has, as part of efforts to help reduce teenage pregnancies, launched the ‘Time With Grandma’ (TWG) programme in the district.
The concept brings older grandparent figures and role models in selected communities to speak to adolescents on the need to guard against irresponsible sexual lifestyles.
The concept, which is being implemented in six districts in the region including the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo Abrem, Ekumfi, Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam, Upper Denkyira West, Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira and Assin South districts, is being funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Urgent efforts needed
At a mini durbar at Assin Subinso to inaugurate the club, the Assin South District Public Health Nurse, Ms Gladys Oppon said there was the need to tackle teenage pregnancy with all urgency and seriousness.
“Many of the young people in the communities do not have people they look up to and models who speak into their lives.
They don’t aspire to be much in life. For many, finishing junior high is enough for them. Many get pregnant and just complicate their lives,” she said.
Ms Oppon stated that the club would provide adolescent with talks and support that would help them make informed decisions about their sexuality.
She said the programme would consciously provide role models for the adolescent who would consciously help mould them into responsible adults.
“With the TWG, we are consciously providing the youth with role models to help them set goals for life and strive to achieve them,” and advised the adolescent to be responsible and abstain from sex as children or choose responsible sexual behaviours.
Follow aspirations
She also advised them to stick to their books and adhere to good values that would help them attain their aspirations.
The Regent of Assin Subinso, Nana Brewoo said the community was happy to be part of efforts to reduce the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in the area.
The Regional Public Health Nurse, Mrs Beatrice Essilfie advised the role models to work to ensure change in adolescent reproductive health and behaviours.
