EU, Save the Children program lowers teen pregnancies in Leyte, Samar

Photo courtesy of Save the Children Philippines

MANILA, Philippines–A European Union-funded initiative aimed at reducing adolescent pregnancy and strengthening child protection services has led to a 10.89 percent drop in teenage pregnancies in parts of Leyte and Samar, according to Save the Children Philippines.

The program, Advancing Adolescent’s Voice for Violence-Free, Inclusive and Safer Family and Community Environment (ADDVoice), is benefitting nearly 2,000 adolescents, parents, caregivers and service providers in the municipalities of Abuyog, Javier, Mayorga and MacArthur in Leyte, and Gandara, Matuguinao, Pagsanghan and San Jorge in Samar.

Now in its second year, the program addresses adolescent pregnancy and sexual violence through a multisectoral approach involving health, education and social services.

The European Union, in partnership with Save the Children, is working to enhance access to gender-sensitive and adolescent-responsive child protection and sexual and reproductive health information and services.

EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro said the ADDVoice program empowers women and girls by expanding access to education and employment opportunities, aligning with the EU’s commitment to equality and social progress.

The program is implemented by Save the Children Philippines and the Western Samar Development Foundation (WESADEF), focusing on areas identified with high rates of adolescent pregnancy by the Department of Health’s 2020 National Safe Motherhood Programme in Region VIII.

Photo courtesy of Save the Children Philippines

Junalie Katalbas, ADDVoice Project Coordinator, said the initiative has also resulted in increased use of adolescent-friendly health facilities and improved access to family planning, antenatal and postnatal care.

Katalbas emphasized the importance of providing inclusive and engaging platforms for adolescents, who have become effective peer educators in their communities. She said communication has significantly improved as a result of well-trained adolescent facilitators.

Through the program, adolescents, parents and caregivers reported greater knowledge of adolescent sexual and reproductive health and child protection. Coordination with government agencies has also led to the establishment of child protection units in Gandara District Hospital and Abuyog District Hospital.

An increase in the reporting of sexual violence cases has been noted, which the program attributes to greater awareness and trust in the reporting mechanisms.

“Engaging parents, particularly male caregivers, significantly improves outcomes in adolescent health and child protection,” Katalbas said.

The ADDVoice program continues to promote access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities and legal rights as part of its mission to empower women and children and support sustainable development.