The study indicates that there is a need to prioritise return to school policy for pregnant teenagers. If the ministry applies the recommendations by the team, pregnant girls would also be allowed to stay home for six months to breastfeed their babies before returning to school. In effect, to re-integrate pregnant girls in schools, the team also proposed the establishment of a good referral system between schools and the nearest adolescent-sensitive health facility to provide antenatal care. “The Ministry of Education has developed guidelines for the return of pregnant girls in schools but several factors need to be considered. Schools need to establish a psychological support system for the girls to ensure effective learning,” the team recommends.

Source: Standard Digital July 13, 2021 08:03 UTC