Eastern Cape Health Dept records steady drop in teen, child births

The Eastern Cape Department of Health said new data shows a steady drop in teenage and child births across the province.

According to the department, figures for the 2025/26 financial year show births among girls aged 10 to 14 have fallen sharply, especially in the second half of the year.

After higher numbers early on, births dropped to 54 in the fourth quarter - well below the target of 75.

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The department said this is part of a longer-term decline, with births in this age group down from 553 in the 2022/23 fiscal to 292 in the last reporting period.

The provincial Health MEC’s spokesperson, Camagwini Mavovana, said a more gradual decrease has also been recorded among teenagers aged 15 to 19.

“While quarterly figures remain high, the province has seen a steady reduction over time, with total births declining from 17,064 in 2022/23 to 13,916 in 2025/26. This indicates progress, albeit at a slower pace, underscoring the need for sustained and intensified interventions targeting this age group.”

She said the department credits the decline to ongoing prevention efforts and community programmes now showing results, further pledging to intensify its crackdown on statutory rape and expand youth health services.

“The department is implementing targeted programmes to engage young men, promote responsible behaviour and positive masculinity, while working with communities to challenge harmful practices and strengthen partnerships with traditional and religious leaders to drive behavioural change at the grassroots level.”