Title: Northern States Record Highest Teenage Pregnancy Rates in Nigeria – Report Date Published: 09 March 2026 Description: A new health report has revealed that teenage pregnancy remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, with northern states such as Kebbi State, Zamfara State and Kaduna State recording the highest prevalence.The findings are contained in the 2025 State of Health of the Nation Report, released on Sunday in Abuja under the framework of the National Health Act.The report, which analysed adolescent reproductive health trends across the country, highlighted significant regional disparities in teenage pregnancy rates.According to the document, about 32 per cent of girls aged between 15 and 19 in Kebbi State had experienced pregnancy, the highest in the country. Zamfara and Kaduna followed closely with 30 per cent each. In contrast, states such as Lagos State and Edo State recorded significantly lower figures of about three per cent.The findings, based on data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, underscored the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve adolescent reproductive health outcomes nationwide.The report noted that teenage pregnancy increases the risk of maternal and child morbidity and mortality, while also contributing to social challenges such as school dropout among adolescent girls, particularly in high-prevalence states.It further indicated that education plays a critical role in reducing teenage pregnancy. Pregnancy prevalence was recorded at 34 per cent among girls with no formal education but dropped sharply to about four per cent among those who attained education beyond secondary school.According to the report, the health sector in 2025 expanded adolescent-focused programmes aimed at improving reproductive health outcomes and advancing Universal Health Coverage through strengthened primary healthcare services and community outreach initiatives.These interventions included adolescent-friendly services at primary healthcare centres such as family planning, HIV prevention and the treatment of sexually transmitted infections to improve access to reproductive health services for teenagers.Community health workers were also engaged to provide counselling and selected family planning services, particularly in remote communities where access to healthcare facilities remains limited.The report also highlighted efforts to improve adolescent well-being through school- and community-based water, sanitation and hygiene programmes designed to reduce preventable infections.In terms of menstrual hygiene, the report recorded improvements, noting that 95 per cent of adolescent girls reported they could wash and change privately at home, while 94 per cent used appropriate menstrual materials.However, it raised concerns over rising mental health challenges and substance abuse among young people. The report observed increasing alcohol and drug use—including tramadol and cannabis—particularly among secondary school students.It noted that adolescents and young people aged 10 to 24 constitute about 32 per cent of Nigeria’s population and carry a significant burden of mental health disorders, especially depression and anxiety.Government interventions, according to the report, have focused on integrating mental health services into HIV care programmes in line with the National Policy on the Health and Development of Adolescents.The policy promotes youth-friendly mental health services, early intervention and stigma reduction as part of efforts to improve adolescents’ psychological well-being.The report also cited government campaigns during World Mental Health Day and International Adolescent Health Week in 2025, aimed at strengthening collaboration to tackle substance abuse and mental health challenges among young people.These initiatives involved partnerships between the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the World Health Organization and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, alongside civil society organisations.The report added that some states, including Kaduna, have begun implementing school- and community-based programmes to raise mental health awareness, build resilience and help adolescents cope with stress, substance use and other psychosocial challenges. Attached Images: 9f564eb74355b84cf81b4b371a4fd1cc1265d04b6ebe067b053534dae7ca48fd.jpg Attached Video: None