Adolescent girls were identified as particularly vulnerable, as they often have little say in relationships and the use of condoms, face pressure from peers or wider society to get pregnant or marry early, or circumstances force them into transactional sex – for example to buy fish to feed their families. Many girls told researchers they lacked access to, or awareness of, relevant HIV, sexual and reproductive health services.
The study found that adolescent girls are at risk of sexual violence increasing their risk of HIV and unintended pregnancy. It was reported that cases of defilement of under-age girls have increased in Homa Bay, particularly around school holidays, with many cases going unreported. Violence and sexual abuse of under-age girls are often not reported due to fears of stigma and prejudice or fear of retaliation from the wider community.
“We need a society-wide shift for men, women, girls and boys to all understand the risks young people face and to challenge harmful gender norms,” said Professor Richard Muga, Head of Health Services in Homa Bay County, who commissioned the report. “The County Government is committed to taking urgent action in response to the report’s findings in order to reduce unintended pregnancies and lower rates of HIV.”
This is a qualitative and in-depth report based on a review of the available literature plus interviews with 112 adolescents, parents, government officials and service providers in Kitale Town Trans Nzoia county. It also highlights other key drivers of adolescent HIV and pregnancy, including: