‘Let’s end child pregnancies’ – PAHO, Ministry of Health launch National Adolescent Pregnancy Awareness Campaign

In a concerted effort to reduce adolescent pregnancies and promote safe motherhood, the Healthy Life Course Unit of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in collaboration with the Adolescent Health Unit of the Ministry of Health, launched a national awareness campaign, “Let’s End Child Pregnancies,” at the Sophia Health Centre on Wednesday.

The initiative marks the start of Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Week 2025, a series of nationwide activities aimed at empowering young mothers, providing critical guidance, and preventing unintended pregnancies across Guyana.

According to PAHO, adolescent birth rates in Guyana remain higher than the Latin America and Caribbean average, despite a reduction in the adolescent age-specific fertility rate from 80.5 births per 1,000 girls aged 15–19 in 2010 to 66.6 in 2021. Officials say the figures highlight an ongoing public health challenge that requires continued education and community support.

The campaign focused on a “safe motherhood approach”, offering comprehensive guidance on family planning, prenatal care, and healthy lifestyle choices. Key topics addressed during the session included:

• Safe adolescent pregnancy and prevention strategies

• Essential practices for mother and baby

• Emergency signs during pregnancy and referral pathways

• Nutritional guidance

• Educational and career opportunities for adolescent mothers

A notable feature was the introduction of a ‘Roadmap Tool’, designed to actively engage adolescent mothers in understanding each stage of a healthy pregnancy, as well as the benefits of family planning. The session also included open discussions, Q&A segments, and practical advice from healthcare professionals on labour, breastfeeding, and postnatal care.

Nurses at the Sophia Health Centre provided guidance on registering newborns for postnatal clinics and emphasised the importance of continued family planning support. At the conclusion of the event, adolescent mothers received maternity care packages as a gesture of encouragement and practical support.

PAHO noted that similar activities will be held across health facilities nationwide throughout the month, reinforcing a national strategy to reduce teenage pregnancies and improve maternal health outcomes, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targeting 2030.

“This campaign is not just about preventing pregnancies; it’s about empowering young women to make informed choices for their health, education, and future,” PAHO stated, reaffirming its commitment to adolescent health initiatives in Guyana.

The initiative highlights the critical intersection of public health, education, and community engagement, aiming to give adolescent mothers the tools and resources they need to thrive while reducing preventable pregnancies among teenagers.