The HSRC invites you to join to join our academic webinar on Adolescent Pregnancy in South Africa: Key Considerations for the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on 14 May 2026. Adolescent pregnancy in South Africa remains a significant public health and socio-economic challenge, despite a gradual decline in national fertility rates. The issue is unevenly distributed, with higher prevalence in vulnerable communities, and is driven by multiple factors including gender inequality, sexual violence, limited access to youth-friendly health services, gaps in sexuality education, and socio-cultural influences.

While policies exist, implementation is inconsistent and coordination across sectors remains weak. In response, South Africa is developing a National Strategic Plan (NSP) on Adolescent Pregnancy, guided by global frameworks such as those of the World Health Organization. The process has been consultative and evidence-based, involving diagnostic assessments, stakeholder engagement, national consultations, and youth participation, with a draft expected by April/May 2026.

The NSP focuses on three main goals: preventing adolescent pregnancy, reducing its negative outcomes, and strengthening coordination and accountability systems. A planned webinar will bring together academics and researchers to critically review the NSP, assess evidence on effective interventions, and provide recommendations. Expected outcomes include actionable inputs for the NSP, identification of research gaps, improved alignment between research and policy, and strengthened collaboration among key stakeholders.

Event Date: 14 May 2026

Event Time: 12:00

Venue: Online

Registration: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/385820726615421?p=mHhZoWXaPFiq36jptk

Event enquiries: antozakhe@hsrc.ac.za