Committee’s efforts lead to drop in teen pregnancies

KAPIT: The One Stop Teenage Pregnancy Committee (OSTPC) has been credited with the drop in teenage pregnancies in the state.

Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit Unyat said Ministry of Health statistics show a drop of 14 per cent last year with 2,130 cases recorded compared to 2,481 in 2016.

“OSTPC must be commended for its concerted effort to educate the public.

“It is very important to provide input on this social issue so that teenagers, parents, and the community are aware of this issue – what is teenage pregnancy

OSTPC must be commended for its concerted effort to educate the public. It is very important to provide input on this social issue so that teenagers, parents, and the community are aware of this issue – what is teenage pregnancy and the issues arising from it. Jefferson Jamit Unyat, Bukit Goram assemblyman

and the issues arising from it,” he said when closing the One Stop Teenage Pregnancy Committee and Social Laws 2018 roadshow.

“In this roadshow, we understand the roles and functions of OSTPC that is to explain, identify and disseminate vital information concerning teenage pregnancy.

“OSTPC comprises various government departments and agencies. I call upon the stakeholders to continue the good job to further reduce the rate of teenage pregnancy through social media, education, and religious approach.”

In 2013, Sarawak recorded 4,078 teen pregnancies, and this steadily declined to 3,401 cases in 2014; and 2,909 in 2015.