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GWANDA (The Citizen Bulletin) — In Matabeleland South, a rise in risky sexual behaviors among teenagers has led to a surge in early pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Morris Marupi, a village health worker from Sukwe in Gwanda South, describes the situation as deeply troubling and reflective of broader health and social issues in the region.
“It is disheartening to know that such young children are engaging in sexual activities. Currently, two students from Sukwe Primary School are reportedly pregnant and have no clear plans for their future,” he says.
Recent statistics from the Health Management Information System (HMIS) show that 30-33% of maternal deaths in the region occur among adolescents aged 10 to 19, underscoring the severe impact of this crisis.
“Teenage pregnancies pose a significant health threat and contribute to the high rates of maternal deaths in the province,” warns Sister Mpofu, a senior nurse from Plumtree District Hospital.
Adolescent risky sexual behaviors not only threaten maternal health but also increase the prevalence of STIs, according to health experts.
Mitchelle Ncube, a 19-year-old mother from Bezu village in Bulilima, narrates how casual sex at just 15 years old dramatically changed her life.
“The nearest secondary school in our village is 15 km away. We would walk for over 30 minutes to get to school. Along the way, we faced many distractions, including boys and men who promised to take care of us. It seemed appealing as it meant escaping the daily trek,” Ncube explains.
“Due to ignorance, we ignored their health, education, and employment status. Their promises seemed too good to be true. We often spent entire days in the bushes, engaging in unprotected sex.”
She continues: “Two of us fell ill after months of such practices and were taken to the clinic, where it was revealed to us and our parents that we were pregnant. It got worse when I was diagnosed with HIV and gonorrhea. That ended my education. My stepmother threw me out, insisting I find work to support my unborn child.”
Ncube adds that the father of her child disappeared upon hearing the news.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Adolescents and Youth Strategy 2023-2026 highlights the multiple challenges adolescents face.
“22% of women aged 15 to 19 have begun childbearing. Zimbabwe ranks among the countries with the highest HIV burden, with a prevalence rate of 12%. There are over 85,000 adolescents aged 10-19 living with HIV, and new infections are seven times higher among females aged 15-29,” UNICEF reports.
Marupi notes that during a 2023 community awareness campaign on teenage pregnancies, 7 out of 10 teenagers were unaware of STIs.
“The situation has worsened with the introduction of contraceptives. For many, preventing pregnancy is the top priority, while they remain unaware that they are significantly increasing their risk of contracting STIs,” he adds.
Gladys, a 16-year-old girl from Matojeni in Matobo, who was interviewed with parental consent, attributes early pregnancies and STIs to poverty.
“Our villages are severely affected by drought, leaving us with few survival options. We often rely on men who promise to buy groceries in exchange for sex,” she says.
“We need food, school supplies, and other basic necessities. Men who provide these take advantage of our poverty, use us, and then abandon us when they are done.”
Gladys, 16-year-old girl
UNICEF supports this view. The organisation says drought and poverty contributes to risky sexual behaviors among adolescents, and plans to address these issues by 2026.
“The country office will adopt a dual approach toward programming interventions and sectoral mainstreaming to advance adolescent development and participation,” UNICEF states.
In addition to drought, some adolescents are drawn into substance use and artisanal mining at a young age.
Mduduzi Moyo from Esigodini in Umzingwane district attributes this issue to the search for quick financial gain.
“As a man, you must find ways to survive. With high unemployment, pursuing education feels pointless. We engage in illegal mining activities—it started as weekend work but has become a full-time pursuit.”
“Spending all day digging for gold is grueling, and we often resort to drugs for strength. On fortunate days, we indulge in casual sex for pleasure,” Moyo explains.
Last year, Umzingwane district reported a concerning number of school dropouts, some due to pregnancies, while Beitbridge district continues to have the highest percentage of STIs in the province.
Matabeleland South provincial health authorities were not available for comment at the time of publication.