Teen pregnancies and limited access to information on modern contraceptives:
A recent UNFPA study has revealed concerning trends in the sexual health of Ukrainians. On March 24–25, experts gathered in Kharkiv and Dnipro to discuss solutions to these issues and ensure that every teenager has access to essential medical and social services.

These meetings were organized by experts from the Technical Working Group on Sexual and Reproductive Health of the Health Cluster, with support from UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund in Ukraine.

A similar meeting was previously held in Chernihiv.

The events focused on discussing the findings of a large-scale UNFPA study on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in Ukraine and exploring how joint efforts by healthcare professionals, civil society, government, and international organizations can improve the current situation. The study highlighted negative trends, particularly among adolescents, underscoring the need for stronger awareness campaigns and better access to relevant medical services.

Key Issues and Solutions Discussed for Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk Regions:

• Barriers to adolescents’ access to sexual and reproductive health services
• Prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Availability of contraception and protocols for assisting adolescents
• Cases of early pregnancy and the need for comprehensive support for girls in difficult life circumstances
• Current challenges and opportunities

Despite the War, the Health System Shows Resilience

Maternal and neonatal mortality rates have not increased. However, there is a rise in teenage pregnancies, including among girls under 14. These cases are extremely complex and require a cross-sectoral approach—involving educators, psychologists, and healthcare providers, according to Dr. Liudmyla Oleksiivna Haponova, obstetrician-gynecologist and regional medical coordinator of the mobile SRH teams in Kharkiv region.

Dr. Haponova also noted that in addition to mobile teams, barrier-free access clinics operate in Kharkiv region, where adolescents can receive HIV and hepatitis testing, psychological support, and other consultations. The region also distributes humanitarian contraceptive supplies to healthcare facilities.

In Dnipro, the meeting was attended by Dr. Iryna Borysivna Magdenko, regional coordinator of mobile SRH teams in Kryvyi Rih district, Dnipropetrovsk region. She shared that in 2024, over 5,600 patients were examined by the mobile gynecological team, and nearly 3,000 pathologies were identified. She emphasized that the team’s experience sparked interest among other participants—representatives of state institutions and NGOs working with women and adolescents—highlighting the importance of having reliable referral contacts.

Key Needs Identified by Participants:

• Development of clear and accessible informational materials for adolescents
• Increased awareness among healthcare providers about protocols for early pregnancy and sexual violence cases
• Strengthening interagency cooperation between healthcare, education, and social services
• Conducting interactive sessions and promoting adolescent decision-making approaches

Such meetings are a vital step toward building a systemic approach to supporting sexual and reproductive health in Ukraine. The main goal is to ensure that every teenager in Ukraine has access to quality medical care and accurate information about their health.

More about the UNFPA study: [link to be inserted]

Mobile gynecological teams operate as part of UNFPA’s humanitarian response in Ukraine, with financial support from the European Union and the governments of Spain, Norway, Sweden, Ireland, and Austria.

This publication includes presentation materials from event participants and a photo from a mobile SRH team consultation in Kryvyi Rih district.