Pregnancy-related complications are among the leading causes of death among Africa’s adolescent girls. Babies born to adolescent mothers in low- to middle-income countries also face an increased risk of neonatal deaths, and pre-term and underweight birth. Adolescent pregnancy is an issue in Kenya, too, where 15% of adolescent girls become mothers before the age of 18. Until the mistreatment and abuse of adolescent girls is highlighted and addressed, professional care for pregnant girls will not be attained. Anthony Idowu Ajayi, Research Scientist, African Population and Health Research Center and Caroline W. Kabiru, Senior Research Scientist, African Population and Health Research CenterThis article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.

Source: The Star February 01, 2024 10:27 UTC