Teen pregnancies raise Tlokweng alarm
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday September 9, 2026 06:00
TDC chairperson, Ontiretse Bogatsu, said the continued occurrence of adolescent pregnancies remains a worrying trend. Despite the high numbers, the positive things is that all the teenage mothers tested negative for HIV and were subsequently referred for psychosocial and social welfare support, According to Bogatsu, the figures point to broader social and behavioural challenges that require urgent attention from families, communities, and relevant stakeholders.
She stressed the need for strengthened interventions to address the underlying factors contributing to teenage pregnancies and ensure that affected adolescents receive the necessary support and guidance.
'This, therefore, calls for strengthened collaboration amongst the health, education, social welfare and other relevant stakeholders to address the underlying causes and support our young people. 'The district also successfully participated in the polio vaccination campaign targeting children under five years of age. During the first round, 3,524 children were vaccinated against a target population of 6,943, representing 50.8%,' Bogatsu told the council meeting. She pointed out that during the second round, 3,817 children were vaccinated, achieving 55% coverage.
Despite logistical and operational challenges, she said the campaign demonstrated commendable interdepartmental collaboration.
She said the availability of medicines and medical supplies remains a significant challenge.
Bogatsu added that drug availability averaged only 44% during the quarter, against the national target of 97%. “It is encouraging, however, that TB medicines and ARV treatment remained available throughout the quarter.
“Nevertheless, shortages of essential medicines, HIV commodities, laboratory reagents and other non-drug supplies continue to affect the continuity and quality of healthcare services,” she said.
Meanwhile, on land allocations, the chairperson said the Land Board continues to experience delays due to the limited availability of plots in Tlokweng. “Efforts are currently underway to acquire land in the Sefhoke expansion area, with consultations ongoing with property owners to facilitate future development,” she said.
“The Land Board is also preparing a base map to support the redesign and planning of the area, with completion targeted for September 2026.”