Teen pregnancy rates in the Dominican Republic have seen a significant decrease in the first quarter of 2024, according to the National Council for Children and Adolescents (Conani). Compared to the same period in 2023, there were 1,623 fewer pregnancies among teenagers, representing a 26.6% drop.
This positive development comes amid ongoing efforts by the Dominican government to address the issue of teen pregnancy, which has historically been a major social and health concern in the country. The data, compiled by the Ministry of Public Health, shows particular improvement in six provinces that have been prioritized by the Policy for the Prevention and Care of Early Unions and Adolescent Pregnancy (PPA) since 2022. These provinces – Puerto Plata, San Juan de la Maguana, Barahona, San Cristóbal, and San Pedro de Macorís – previously had the highest rates of adolescent pregnancy nationwide.
The initiative, spearheaded by First Lady Raquel Arbaje in collaboration with Conani, appears to be yielding results. A key focus of the program has been comprehensive sex education and life skills programs developed by Conani alongside various government ministries and social programs.
Dajabón, one of the prioritized provinces, serves as a prime example. The number of teenage pregnancies there dropped from 199 in 2022 to just 37 in the first quarter of 2024, signifying a remarkable 44.8% decrease. Similar trends are observed in San Cristóbal and San Juan de la Maguana, which have exited the ranking of the ten provinces with the highest rates of teenage pregnancy.
The multi-faceted approach extends beyond education. Vocational training for adolescents and initiatives aimed at empowering young people from various socioeconomic backgrounds are also part of the strategy. Additionally, Conani has developed positive parenting programs to support families and community leaders within the prioritized territories.
The Dominican Republic has traditionally held the unfortunate distinction of having the highest rate of early marriage and adolescent pregnancy in Latin America and the Caribbean. Conani emphasizes the importance of continued investment and implementation of the PPA to ensure all Dominican girls and adolescents have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
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Conani
4 June 2024