By Shiprah Kwagaka
In a bold move to tackle rising teenage pregnancy rates, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with organizations such as USAID, has launched the BOLD Campaign in Namayingo District, Uganda. This youth-centered initiative empowers teens to lead efforts within their communities, transforming former victims into advocates and champions for change.
Busoga region, which includes Namayingo, has the highest teenage pregnancy rate in Uganda at 34%. Namayingo District alone records an incidence rate of 23.4%, with teenage pregnancies accounting for 27% of antenatal care attendances as of June 2024.
However, this figure likely underrepresents the reality, as many teenage mothers do not access formal health facilities, and only 27% of those who deliver do so in healthcare settings.
Empowering Teens to Take Charge
The BOLD Campaign—an acronym for Believe in Dreams, Own Choices, Live with Purpose, and Dedicate to Destiny—seeks to place young people at the forefront of solutions to teenage pregnancy. The program incorporates interactive training, awareness campaigns, and peer-to-peer engagement while addressing the root causes of teenage pregnancies, such as misinformation, financial insecurity, cultural influences, and unsafe environments.
“We have resolved that we need to put the young people at the forefront,” said Matthias Mangeni, Namayingo’s Assistant District Health Officer. “They should be part of the designed interventions to resolve these issues.”
Unlike earlier campaigns, which primarily targeted girls, BOLD emphasizes educating both boys and girls. “This shift creates a balanced and supportive environment for tackling teenage pregnancy,” Mangeni explained during the campaign’s launch at Banda Secondary School.
Youth and Community Engagement
The campaign integrates activities into the daily lives of teens, fostering safe spaces for discussions on sensitive topics. This includes skits, poems, and songs performed by learners to highlight the causes and consequences of teenage pregnancy.
Akini Justine, a student at St. Phillips Secondary School in Namayingo, expressed optimism about the campaign’s potential impact. “I’ve seen three teenage pregnancies in my neighborhood, and those girls never returned to school. I am determined to say no and complete my studies,” she said.
Stakeholder Support and a Multi-Pronged Approach
Jessica Hailey, USAID’s Director for Health and HIV, urged teens to take ownership of their safety. “Be BOLD, take BOLD steps, and watch out for each other. Teachers must create environments where children feel safe to seek help,” she said, reaffirming USAID’s support for the initiative.
Dr. Charles Olaro, Director of Clinical and Curative Services at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the shared responsibility of parents, teachers, and health workers. “Empower young people, but let us, the older generation, play our part,” he said. Dr. Olaro highlighted barriers such as limited safe spaces, judgmental attitudes, and poor access to quality medical services as challenges requiring a collective effort.
The campaign also addresses broader issues such as gender-based violence (GBV), sexually transmitted infections, and mental health disorders. Reports indicate that GBV cases in Namayingo peaked at 39% in 2023 before declining to 34% due to ongoing interventions.
The BOLD Campaign, which began in August 2024, represents a comprehensive approach to reducing teenage pregnancies. With schools at the heart of the initiative, the goal is to keep teens in school, build their resilience, and equip them with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their futures.
“This campaign is about giving teens the tools and confidence to say no to sexual abuse, stand up for their rights, and achieve their dreams,” Mangeni concluded.
As Namayingo’s youth embrace their roles as change agents, the district aims to transform its alarming teenage pregnancy statistics into a story of hope and progress.