Concerns Rise Over Rising Cases of Early and Unintended Pregnancies in Choma
The Family Development Initiatives (FDI) Choma District Coordinator, Sheikh Saiti Maida, has voiced deep concern over the alarming increase in early and unintended pregnancies (EUP) among pupils in the region.
Official statistics have revealed a troubling figure of 3,500 cases of EUP from 2023 to the first quarter of 2024, prompting Sheikh Maida to raise the issue with urgency.
Acknowledging the collaborative efforts of UNESCO, as well as the Swedish and Zambian Governments, Sheikh Maida highlighted the vital role FDI has played in conducting sensitization programs for 3,000 individuals in Choma aimed at ending EUP.
“FDI, an Islamic faith-based organization with an interfaith approach, has been actively involved in community outreach. Our efforts focus on governance, accountability, reproductive health rights, rural entrepreneurship, and climate change,” Sheikh Maida stated.
Since its establishment in Choma in 2021, FDI has been dedicated to empowering families and communities towards dignity, skill development, self-reliance, and prosperity.
Highlighting their initiatives, Sheikh Maida noted the success of the ‘Let’s Talk EUP Programme,’ which has facilitated the education of five adolescent mothers, enabling their return to school.
Additionally, FDI has been instrumental in rural entrepreneurship development, providing access to CDF skills training bursaries for 85 youths, with the first group having graduated in various trades. Recently, FDI completed the ‘Let’s Talk EUP Programme’ on Choma Maanu Radio Station, reaching 3,000 rural listeners through five Radio Listening Clubs.
Emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts, Sheikh Maida stressed the need for involvement from parents, civil society organizations, and the government to effectively combat EUP and its consequences.
