Teenage Pregnancies Remain High in Kurnool District
32 out of every 100 pregnant women are adolescents; maternal deaths are adding to concerns
Teenage pregnancies continue to remain alarmingly high in Kurnool district, with the latest statistics revealing that 32 out of every 100 pregnant women are adolescent girls.
The figures point to persistence of child marriages despite efforts to curb the practice.
Adoni and Pattikonda regions have reported a high incidence of teenage pregnancies. Kurnool urban area has also recorded a substantial number of cases, indicating that the problem is prevalent in both rural and urban areas.
District collector Dr. A. Siri stressed the need to intensify public awareness programmes on adverse consequences of child marriages, adolescent healthcare, and the importance of nutritious food.
"Officials should focus on creating awareness among people about the health risks associated with early marriages and teenage pregnancies. Coordinated efforts are essential to prevent child marriages and bring down teenage pregnancies," Dr. Siri underlined.
Adding to the concern, maternal deaths are being reported in significant numbers in the district. The latest figures indicate that 58 mothers die in every one lakh deliveries. The persistence of maternal deaths over the past three years has become a major concern. Kurnool reportedly has the highest maternal mortality in the state.
The collector directed health officials to ensure proper monitoring of pregnant women at primary health centres and strengthen distribution of nutritious food to them through the Anganwadi centres.
"Regular health check-ups, timely medical supervision, and adequate nutrition must be ensured for every pregnant woman. Officials should closely monitor high-risk pregnancies. They must take necessary steps to prevent maternal deaths and safeguard the health of mothers and newborns,” Dr. Siri emphasised.
