GCC records 76 teen pregnancies in three months
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday September 15, 2025 12:55
The City mayor, Orabile Motlaleng, revealed the sterling figures during Monday’s full council meeting. “Another issue of great concern is the high level of teenage pregnancy, which is at 6.2% with 76 cases recorded in the first quarter. Despite ongoing efforts, including behavioural change initiatives and various activities aimed at combating social ills, this issue persists,” he said. He, however, said addressing teenage pregnancy requires a multidisciplinary approach involving schools, communities, health partners, and stakeholders working together to implement effective strategies. Additionally, he said the problem is worsened by the reported use of illicit drugs, as highlighted by health-implementing partners. He added: “As I have emphasised, let us unite during this month of prayer to confront these social ills, including teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, and non-communicable diseases. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in creating a healthier and safer environment for our youth and communities.”
However, analysts and social workers have previously stated that these teenage girls are impregnated by older men driven by financial desperation.
According to Botswana AIDS Impact Survey (BAIS) 2021, the country’s most authoritative study on HIV trends, by 2021, according to the report, it was estimated that 2,239 people were infected every year in the country, with women aged 15 to 24 years accounting for more than a third or 36%.
In terms of prevalence, or the number of people living with HIV, adults aged between 50 and 64 account for nearly 27%. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some older men take advantage of young girls and use them sexually, as most of the time these are young and have no power to bargain or refuse.
“Most often the perverts hold power and decide if they want to use protection or not,” a youth counsellor told Mmegi.
“In most cases, the older men have life partners or wives whom they return to once they are done using the young girls.
“As research has shown, it is often hard for girls to advocate for themselves and demand the use of protection because these men are old enough to be their fathers.
“In Setswana culture, sex is taboo, and a child seen talking about sex to an elder may be deemed disrespectful, as they cannot talk about sex with elders.
“When an older person sleeps with a minor or adolescent girl, even if it was out of consent, the onus lies with the men, as they are old enough to know better, especially when it comes to HIV/AIDS infection.”
Meanwhile, the city mayor also raised a concern that the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, among others, is on the rise in Gaborone City.
“I therefore wish to make a call for us all to individually take action regarding our health, and this can be done through healthy eating and regular exercise. As you are aware, there has been a shortage of medicines in the country, hence it is important to play our part as individuals to avoid any health complications,” he revealed. Still on that, he pointed out that on a positive note, the Government has taken a bold step to declare a public health emergency over this shortage of medicines and medical commodities. He said a national task force of experts has been appointed to address supply chain issues and distribution of medicines across the country, and this move will definitely arrest the shortage of medicines and medical commodities, as well as laboratory reagents, in their district. Moreover, he highlighted the widespread mental health challenges across all age groups. The mayor said the COVID-19 pandemic exposed and intensified the issues, underscoring the urgent need for intervention. “ On July 30, 2025, the mental health programme within Primary Health Care held a workshop to identify stakeholders in Gaborone, develop a database, and enhance coordination,” he said. Furthermore, he said in August 2025, the mental health programme and the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) Healthy and Active Ageing Programme trained medical doctors, nurses, and social workers within the Gaborone City Council.
He, however, said the training focused on assessing, diagnosing, and managing mental health disorders across all ages, based on ICOPE guidelines. He also revealed to councillors that the GCC will be running a suicide prevention campaign targeting its stakeholders, from September 8th to 29th, 2025, under the theme, “Changing the narrative on suicide.” “The aim of this campaign is to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote open conversations to prevent suicides,” he said. Moreover, he said the activities include mental health assessments and screenings for staff and clients at various city establishments, starting with the team at the Civic Centre today. He said individuals identified at risk will be referred for further care. Furthermore, he encouraged councillors and staff to participate in this noble initiative and urged the community of Gaborone to also come forth to access these much-needed services.