The Eastern Cape Department of Health has noted a sustained decline in child and teenage births across the province, a development that signals progress, but not victory. The MEC for Health, Ntandokazi Capa, has made it clear that while the numbers are moving in the right direction, the province s goal remains uncompromising: zero child pregnancies. In the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, the province recorded 54 births among girls aged 10 14. While significantly lower than previous years, the Department has stressed that this is not a milestone to celebrate.
We may be seeing a decline, but 54 is still too many. Even one child pregnancy is one too many. Our target is zero,” said MEC Capa.
Data reflects a notable multi-year decline. Births among girls aged 10 14 have dropped from 553 in 2022/23 to 292 in 2025/26. Similarly, births among adolescents aged 15 19 have decreased from 17,064 to 13,916 over the same period. This downward trend points to the impact of strengthened prevention programmes and multi-sectoral collaboration.
The Department has taken a firm stance that pregnancies in children under the age of 16 are not merely a health concern; they are criminal matters. Every case involving a minor is treated as a potential case of statutory rape and is subject to mandatory reporting and investigation. The use of Form 22 ensures that suspected abuse is formally reported to the Department of Social Development for intervention. To strengthen accountability, the Department has intensified collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS). In November 2025, provincial health leadership engaged directly with SAPS to review all reported pregnancies among girls aged 10 14, ensuring that each case is interrogated and that perpetrators are brought to justice. Supporting this response are 11 Thuthuzela Care Centres, which continue to play a critical role in improving access to justice, reducing case turnaround times, and achieving conviction rates.
The Department has expanded access to a full basket of contraceptive options, ensuring that young people can make informed choices about their reproductive health. These include oral contraceptive pills, emergency contraception, injectable options such as Nur-isterate and Petogen, as well as long-term methods like the subdermal implant and intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD). In addition, termination of pregnancy services is legally available and safely provided within public health facilities, offering critical support to those who need it.
At the centre of the Department s response is a strong focus on youth-friendly, accessible services. A total of 534 Youth Zones have been established across the province, creating safe spaces within health facilities where young people can access sexual and reproductive health services, mental health support, and HIV prevention. Programmes such as the Strengthening Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SSAGE) project are equipping health promoters to actively engage young people, drive demand for services, and promote gender equity and informed decision-making.
The Department also encourages the use of the B-Wise app, a health at your fingertips” platform that provides young people with accurate information on sexual and reproductive health and access to support services. The Department emphasises that addressing teenage and child pregnancy requires collective action. Ongoing collaboration with the Departments of Education and Social Development, alongside communities and civil society, remains central to tackling the drivers of early pregnancy. Despite the progress made, the message from the Eastern Cape Department of Health is unequivocal: the fight is far from over. Every child deserves protection, opportunity, and a future; and until child pregnancies are eliminated, the work continues.
