Pregnancy rates decrease at NUR

HUYE - The number of unplanned pregnancies among students at the National University of Rwanda (NUR), has reduced drastically this year compared to the past two years, with family planning responsible for the down ward trend, the university’s family planning official said last weekend. Claire Uwumugisha, the head of family planning programme at the National University of Rwanda, attributed the reduction to the family planning campaign introduced since the end of 2008. “I am pleased by the remarkable fall in the statistical figures of unplanned pregnancies at NUR…during the year 2009, 45 female students were found pregnant while this year the number has not yet gone beyond 16 students. It is a positive achievement,” Uwumugisha said. Appearing on Radio Salus, Medard Runyange, the University Dean of students said some people inflate the figures of unplanned pregnancies among students, to portray a bad image of the institution. “Some people and the media rely on speculation and rumours without accurate facts. They should contact the in charge in order to tell the truth,” Runyange argued.Providence Mukakarisa, the chairperson of University Women Students Association (UWSA), blamed poverty, desire for luxury and congested university hostels among the causes of unplanned pregnancies. Explaining that the university accommodates first year women students, Runyange added that they expected students to behave maturely. “Induction week, sensitization campaign and condoms distribution are some of chief measures the university has initiated to prevent unintended pregnancies,” he added. Ends