The visit was in response to the high number of teenage pregnancies in Calabar South Local Government Area. Dr. Betta Edu who met with the young girls who were aged between 11 and 17 years, noted that the girls were free to prey to satisfy s*xual needs of the young men and boys in the creeks.
They have unprotected s*x and share S*xually Transmitted Diseases freely among each other
Being faithful to one partner was not part of the equation as they preyed on any available girl, except for a few who try to create territories. “It’s a different world there in the creeks,” according to reports.
After speaking to the young men off cameras as they instructed, they sounded remorseful and asked that several cartons of condoms be sent to them so they can protect themselves because for s*x they admitted they won’t stop or stick to one woman for life.
While speaking to the teenage pregnant girls in small groups in some compounds, Dr. Edu told them about the different types of s*xually transmitted diseases and how to prevent them. She also educated them on the prematurity of their bodies which are not prepared to carry babies yet and the complications that may arise if they don’t get the right care this period.
Some of the girls opened up to tell her the ills that go on there and how the men reject condoms that they won’t enjoy the s*x.
The teenage pregnant girls went further to state that they were registered in prayer houses and TBAs to deliver there. Dr Betta Edu recommended family planning methods for teenagers to restrict the high rate of pregnancy among them to secure their future.
She described teenage pregnancy as an important public health problem that called for concern as the rate of abandoned children will increase.
“Contrary to what most people think, family planning is not only meant for married, but in the real sense of it, it is for every s*xually active person not ready to bear children at that particular point in time. “Thus, teenagers who are s*xually active and those not s*xually active should know the implications of s*xual int*rcourse.
Edu said that there were specific family planning methods for individuals regardless of their age, following proper counseling and history taking.
Dr Edu who explained this to them in pidgin English and local dialect in some aspect said there should always make use of the Health facility closest to them where the health workers will take good care of them for free. She called on PHC workers in Calabar South to intensify sensitization.
