Chadiza District Commissioner (DC) George Phiri has charged that the prevalence rate of teenage pregnancies in the area still remains gloomy.
Mr Phiri was speaking to Feel Free news on the sidelines of the recently launched chiefdom by-laws to end child marriages and teen pregnancies in the district.
He said Chadiza is ranked first both at national and provincial level in terms of high teen pregnancies incidents.
Mr Phiri said the high rate necessitated the formulation of the by-laws so as to change current trends.
He however admited that change is gradual; focusing on changing the mind set of parents who only think marriage is the only destination for their children.
The DC said parents need to reach a point where they will appreciate the value of educating the girl child.
Mr Phiri said unprotected sex which results in pregnancies had also catapult Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s).
He said plans are underway to form youth friendly corners so as to promote condom use among youths/Feel Free Radio.
