By Rutendo Mapfumo
Parliamentarians have promised to continue to push for more funding for the health sector in marginalised areas, especially Binga.
The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health and Child Care, Dr Josiah Makombe said there is an urgent need to secure funding to upgrade health infrastructure and ensure adequate equipment and Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) commodities.
“Before the end of 2025, the Ministry of Health and Child Care aims to improve the capacity of Binga’s health facilities, including the provision of essential maternity equipment and ambulances. These measures are part of the priority to end child mortality in the region,” he said during a visit to the district recently by legislators.
Binga has a child mortality rate of 51 deaths per 1,000 live births, significantly influenced by the young age of mothers.
Dr Makombe was deeply concerned with the high rate of teenage pregnancies in Binga and the strain on local health services saying there is need to strengthen SRH education:
“Working with the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Ministry of Education, Parliament is advocating for comprehensive SRH education in schools to raise awareness and empower teenagers with knowledge to prevent early pregnancies,” he said.
Additionally, clinics and health facilities in Binga are being supported to establish youth-friendly spaces for counselling and access to contraceptives. Parliament, in collaboration with local leaders and civil society organisations (CSOs), is facilitating community sensitisation campaigns to address cultural and societal norms that contribute to teenage pregnancies.
Zimbabwe faces a high rate of child marriage, with 33 percent of girls married before the age of 18. This highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to tackle these issues. Young girls often encounter serious health complications during childbirth, as their bodies are still developing.
A nurse at Kariyangwe Mission Hospital, Luyando Mwinde, remarked on the prevalence of teenage pregnancies due to a lack of awareness campaigns and education among youth. He suggested implementing a “youth-friendly corner” concept at every health facility but noted challenges due to a shortage of trained health staff in safe reproductive health practices.
Chief Pashu echoed similar concerns about the lack of development partners to support health education programmes in the district.
In response, a gender champion Malvinn Daka from Vostile creation appealed for support for young girls to develop lifetime skills that keep them busy..
“There is a need for a productive life, ensuring that clinics in Binga are adequately equipped for quality services for teenagers. We should take advantage of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence and intensify comprehensive sexual reproductive programmes in schools and communities,” he said .
“The stakes of teenage pregnancies are high, and young mothers face lifelong health consequences, including depression and difficulties bonding with their children. The community of Binga stands at a crossroads, and the collective efforts of healthcare providers, local leaders, and NGOs are crucial in turning the tide against teenage pregnancy and its associated challenges,” he continued.
The issue of teenage pregnancy in Binga reveals a complex web of challenges that require immediate and sustained action. By amplifying the voices of young mothers, addressing healthcare inadequacies, and tackling the socioeconomic factors at play, there is hope for a brighter future for the youth of Binga
New Ziana