Vijayawada, March 05, 2026: Andhra Pradesh State Women's Commission Chairperson Rayapati Sailaja stressed the urgent need for a multi-stakeholder strategy to tackle teenage pregnancies.
At a state-level consultation in Vijayawada, she highlighted the health, social, and economic impacts of early motherhood, especially in agency areas like Paderu and parts of Kurnool district.
Sailaja outlined an integrated action plan aiming to reduce cases below 5%.
Key steps include ramping up awareness among girls, parents, and communities to prevent child marriages; introducing structured health modules on sexual and reproductive health in schools; re-enrolling dropouts; and offering vocational training for girls aged 15-16 and older to promote economic independence.
She urged local leaders, sarpanches, and mandal committees to lead grassroots prevention.
