The National Population Commission has increased its efforts in curbing the rate of teenage pregnancy in Nigeria.
According to a Federal Commissioner representing Plateau state at the National Population Commission, Cecilia Dapoet, the root causes of the trend include poverty, sexual abuse, ignorance as well as cultural and religious beliefs.
She added that cases of teenage pregnancy have been on the increase in the country.
“Teenage pregnancy not only imposes severe health and psychological strains on the baby and teen mothers but also have long term negative impacts on sustainable development efforts,” she said.
As part of the activities to commemorate the 2013 World Population Day themed, “adolescent pregnancy”, the commission organised a press briefing, round table discussion, road float to help raise awareness.
Majority of adolescent births occur in low and middle income countries and more likely among poor, less educated and rural population.
