In rural Rwanda, a girl’s first period often marks the beginning of the end of her education and future. Africa is grappling with an adolescent pregnancy crisis, with nearly one in five teenage girls becoming pregnant before the age of 19. This staggering statistic threatens the lives, education, and health of millions of young people. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rate of adolescent births in low- and middle-income countries, accounting for approximately 90% of such births.

According to the Center for Reproductive Rights, pregnant girls often face social backlash, including discrimination, stigma, and rejection from their families and communities. This stigma prevents them from seeking medical or legal assistance, placing them at risk. Public health worker Isaie Nshimiyimana has been studying the factors associated with adolescent pregnancy in Rwanda’s Muhanga District. His research, presented at the 2025 Conference on Public Health in Africa, reveals that cultural taboos, lack of sexuality education, and economic challenges impede prevention efforts.

Nshimiyimana’s study found that 10.7% of girls aged 15-19 in Muhanga District had experienced pregnancy, roughly double the national average. The research identified education level, family structure, financial dependence, peer pressure, and access to sexual and reproductive health education as the strongest predictors of adolescent pregnancy. Girls not in school or only at the primary level were over 23 times more likely to become pregnant than those in secondary school.

The study also highlighted the importance of stable home environments in protecting adolescents. Girls living with non-parental guardians may experience weaker emotional supervision, reduced communication, or even neglect, making them more vulnerable to exploitation or risky behavior. Nshimiyimana emphasizes that addressing adolescent pregnancy requires a multi-layered approach, combining education, economic empowerment, and community-based interventions.

The Rwandan government has made significant advances in gender equality and reproductive health, but challenges persist due to limited access to accurate information and services. Nshimiyimana is optimistic about the potential for change, citing Rwanda’s strong political will and community-based structures. The inclusion of sexual and reproductive health education in schools, youth-friendly health services, and growing public dialogue are positive steps towards reducing adolescent pregnancies. Empowering young people as change agents is crucial in shaping conversations about health and gender equality, and Nshimiyimana believes that this can significantly reduce adolescent pregnancies in the years ahead.