Uganda Teen Pregnancy Rates Up

UGANDA has recorded one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancies in Africa, reports Kezio Musoke. A demographic study done by a group of population experts from the Population Reference Bureau in New York, ranked Uganda among the top five countries with high teenage pregnancy rates. The scientists also said Uganda’s fertility rate continues to be high with the average number of births per woman being 7.0. Quoting the current National Demographic and Health Survey, the scientists said 61 percent of 19-year-olds in Uganda were already mothers or pregnant for the first time. Population experts said with fertility continuing at its current pace, the projected number of pupils in 2015 would be 10 million and that this would grow to 12.8 million in 2025 as opposed to 8.8 million with declining fertility. Ends