The MEC for Health and Social Development, Ms Dikeledi Magadzi, is concerned about an alarming spate of teenage pregnancies in the province.

Speaking at the Louis Trichardt Show Grounds on Saturday 23 July, Magadzi said teenage pregnancies were a serious problem facing Limpopo. She urged community members to get involved in the fight against teenage pregnancy in the communities.

Magadzi warned young girls against engaging in sex before marriage. “I am appealing to young girls in all parts of our province, to refrain from engaging in sex before marrage. This is in actual fact part of the increase and spread of HIV,” warned Magadzi.

“According to statistics, out of one million people who voluntarily underwent HIV testing, 660 were HIV positive.”

Magadzi encouraged people to continue testing and checking their status, not only for HIV, but also for other diseases. “TB, breast cancer, diabetes and other diseases are also dangerous and people must consult our clinics for testing. I need everyone to live a healthy life,” she said, adding that women must also consider going for papsmear testing.

Magadzi further urged people to start being serious about their health. "High blood preassure is also a killer disease and people should get checked and continue excercising," she concluded.