Ntsoaki Motaung
Early and unintended pregnancies remain a significant concern at Mapholaneng High School, according to the school Principal, Mahooana Tšilo.
During a recent visit by journalists, Tšilo reported that this year alone, the school has recorded at least eight cases of early pregnancy, nearly double the number seen in previous years.
“Historically, we have recorded about five cases per year. However, this year’s figures have already reached eight by mid-year, and if the trend continues, we might see up to 16 cases by the end of the year,” Tšilo said.
The principal attributes these high numbers to several factors, including an influx of people migrating to Mapholaneng in Mokhotlong District in search of job opportunities, as well as pervasive poverty. Some girls engage in risky relationships to meet their financial needs.
Tšilo noted that pregnancies among students at Mapholaneng High School often occur as early as age 14, typically among those in grades eight and nine.
To address this issue, the school has sought assistance from various stakeholders, including the police, local clinics, and nearby community projects. Tšilo mentioned that the school, with the support of funders, has constructed a fence around the school to ensure that female boarders remain within the compound.
“Despite these efforts, we face challenges such as limited access to water. Students must leave the compound to fetch water from the community, which exposes them to situations that can lead to early and unintended pregnancies,” he explained.
The principal added that while early pregnancies often contribute to school dropouts, the school has made efforts to retain pregnant students. The school supports these students throughout their pregnancy and ensures they remain integrated with their peers.
According to the 2024 State of World Population report, Lesotho’s adolescent birth rate is 49 per 1,000 girls aged 15–19, higher than the global average of 41 per 1,000. In East and Southern Africa, the rate stands at 92 per 1,000. The Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey 2023-2024 reveals that nearly 14 percent of girls aged 15 to 19 have given birth to their first child.
In Mokhotlong District, the teenage pregnancy rate for girls aged 15 to 19 is 15.3 percent for those who have ever had a live birth and 21.3 percent for those who have ever been pregnant.
A June 2024 journalists’ workshop organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reported that, according to the Ministry of Health’s DHIS 2 Routine Data, 26 girls under the age of 15 gave birth in the first quarter of 2024 (January to March). Additionally, 1,300 adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 also gave birth during this period.
