​The ongoing efforts to address the scourge of teenage pregnancy in the province has started showing slight decrease in the number of deliveries recorded across health facilities. 
From April 2024 to February 2025, the Department saw a slightly reduced number of teen moms' deliveries of 20,709 as compared to 23,987 cases recorded in 2023/2024 financial year. While this is an encouraging trend, it remains crucial to address the underlying issues that contribute to high rates of teenage pregnancy
Despite the statistics showing a decrease of 3,278 teenage pregnancies, there is a persistent challenge that requires immediate attention and collective action. For instance, in 2024, a total of 299 deliveries were recorded from girls aged 10 to 14 years, and 15,991 from those aged 15 to 19 years, with 4,419 terminations of pregnancy (TOPs). 
Whereas in 2023, 430 deliveries were from girls aged 10 to 14 years and 19,206 deliveries from those aged 15 to 19 years. These stats show a decrease of 131 deliveries amongst the 10 to 14 years old girls and a decrease of 3,215 deliveries amongst the 15 to 19 years old girls. A total of 4,351 terminations of pregnancy (TOPs) were also recorded during the same period. The comparative data analysis shows a slight increase with 68 more TOPs done in health facilities amongst the 15 to 19-year-olds from 4,351 in 2023/2024 to 4,419 in 2024/2025 financial year.  
In line with the Children's Act No 38 of 2005, section 110(1), professionals or persons who encounter pregnant children under 16 years of age in the course of their work are obliged to report to a social worker or the police. As a result, health care workers have reported to the police 257 cases between April 2023 to March 2024, with 242 cases reported between April to December 2024. 
To tackle the social determinants that contribute to high rates of teenage pregnancy, the Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has championed the development of the Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Intervention Plan, launched in April 2024. This multi-sectoral plan recognises that every arm of society must play their part in addressing the issue of teenage pregnancy. 
Furthermore, the GDoH in collaboration with the Gauteng Departments of Education and Social Development has taken an initiative to take health education to schools through the Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP). Nurses regularly visit public primary, secondary, and special schools to provide health education that is tailored to the educational phases of learners, covering important topics such as personal hygiene, puberty, the importance of abstinence, menstruation and teenage pregnancy.
"The challenge of teenage pregnancy is a societal one and requires a transdisciplinary and collective approach. Together with our supporting partners, we have intensified integrated interventions to address the factors contributing to the scourge of teenage pregnancy. Just over a month ago, we distributed 16 new mobile health clinics that will go a long way in ensuring that our teams of nurses can reach the schools and communities particularly in townships, informal settlements and hostel areas where the need for our services is wider", said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko. 
"I must call on all sectors of society to continue playing an active role in addressing the scourge of teenage pregnancy. Let us reiterate the message that various contraceptive methods are available free of charge at public health facilities and encourages women to explore these options to prevent teenage and unwanted pregnancies," added MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko. 
While the department acknowledges that every woman has the right to make decisions regarding her pregnancy, including the choice to continue or terminate it as stipulated in the Sexual and Reproductive Health Act, it is important to caution against illegal abortion practices, as they pose significant health risks to women and undermine the rights afforded to them. Women seeking termination of pregnancy services are therefore encouraged to visit their local health facility, where they will receive counselling on their options. 
The GDOH will continue to ensure that young people are empowered with knowledge and access to appropriate health services while upholding their rights and dignity.