Adolescent pregnancy, a major concern of health professionals in Holguín
- Written by Lourdes Pichs Rodríguez
- Published in Opinion
- Hits: 260
Protecting and caring for our girls is essential within sexual health, focusing on prevention and care up to age 19, as girls of this age still require protection and education from family, school, and society to avoid adolescent pregnancy and other health and well-being issues.
Dr. C. Alberto Rubén Piriz Assa, head of the Maternal and Child Care Program in the province, raised concern over the high number of pregnant adolescents in Holguín, where several municipalities exceed 25% of all pregnant women, compared to the international average of 14% and a general 19% for Holguín.
Municipalities such as Sagua de Tánamo, Calixto García, Urbano Noris, and Moa show the highest incidence, highlighting the urgent need for stronger sexual education at home and throughout society. "Healthcare as an institution can reach out, educate, train, and intervene, but the family is fundamental. Our girls need to be in school, to prepare themselves both intellectually and for life," he said.
The specialist explained that once a minor becomes pregnant, the healthcare system must provide comprehensive care through maternal homes and other centers, aiming for pregnant teens to spend at least 50% of their gestation period under medical supervision to mitigate risks.
Social problems are also addressed by integrating issues like violence, drugs, and accidents into educational projects, supported by families and communities. Thanks to combined efforts, adolescent pregnancy rates in the province have slightly decreased from 21% in 2024 to 19% this year, with continued hope for further reduction.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines adolescent pregnancy as occurring in a female between the onset of fertility and the end of adolescence, that is, between 10 and 19 years old.
