Kalomo records sharp drop in teenage pregnancy cases

Kalomo District has recorded a sharp decline in teenage pregnancy cases, with fewer than 15 cases reported between January and May 2026, a notable drop from previous years, when annual figures exceeded 50.

Former Kalomo District Council Chairperson, Coy Makaya, told Zambian Business Times in an exclusive interview that the reduction is largely attributed to increased health sensitization and strengthened efforts to keep girls in school. He noted that recent data from health authorities confirm this positive trend.

“From January to the council’s closure, the district recorded something below 15 cases,” Makaya said, highlighting the effectiveness of ongoing sensitization programs and school retention initiatives.

He explained that, prior to these interventions, the district consistently registered over 50 teenage pregnancies annually.

“Before the sensitization, numbers were not desirable. In early 2022, we had slightly above 50 cases,” Makaya added. Makaya credited health authorities for intensifying education about the risks of early sexual activity and said that keeping girls engaged in education has proven crucial in reducing teenage pregnancies.

“The community is clearly responding to these interventions,” he observed. In addition, Makaya reported improved mobile network coverage in Kalomo, estimating that about 70 percent of constituencies now have access.

Article by Karen Ngulube