Sober discussions on reproductive health must take center-stage in public forums to help reduce teenage pregnancies in the County, Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili has said.
Dr Owili said that cases of teenage pregnancies have risen sharply in Kisumu since mid-March when the government ordered the nationwide shutdown of schools following the Covid-19 outbreak, with the county recording at-least 3,500 cases since January.
Speaking at Hippo Point near Dunga beach, during an anti-teenage pregnancy campaign, the Deputy Governor called for a robust approach to address teenage pregnancies, as he expressed concern over the rising numbers.
Dubbed Linda Kesho, the campaign spearheaded by the Mama Ida Odinga Trust aims to halt new cases and stir up national debates against the prevalence.
In her address Assistant County Commissioner Madam Joan Chebet issued a warning to individuals preying on minors.
The government, she said would act swiftly to ensure such individuals are prosecuted, she urged the girls to focus on education and report any harassment cases to relevant authorities.
Joining the discussions were area MCA Joseph Olale, Public Health Director Fred Oluoch, his Trade counterpart Bovince Ochieng, Adah Omondi, from Mama Ida Odinga Trust were Hon. Caroline Ogot,Tuli Tulitu and Hellen Opiyo among other officials.
By: Collins Owuor
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili makes an address during the Linda Kesho Anti-Teenage pregnancy campaign at Hippo Point near Dunga. (photo by: Collins Owuor)
Director Public Health Dr. Fred Oluoch addressing the youths
Madam Adah Omedi the Gender Officer addressing the youths on teenage pregnancies
Assistant County Commissioner Madam Joan Chebet
