Early pregnancy in school settings remains a major public health and social concern in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in rural areas affected by socioeconomic challenges. Although pregnancy is not a disease, its occurrence among adolescents is often unintended and has serious consequences for health, education, and social integration. This study aimed to identify factors associated with early pregnancy among adolescents in the Léproserie neighborhood, located in the Mopela health area within the rural health zone of Bwamanda (South Ubangi). A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2023 using field surveys and interpersonal interviews. A non-probability sampling method included 59 participants (43 girls and 16 boys) who had experienced pregnancy or fatherhood before the age of 18. The results indicate that most adolescents initiated sexual activity between the ages of 13 and 15, while regular condom use was low. The main reasons for non-use included perceived loss of sexual pleasure, partner refusal, and cultural or religious constraints. The findings highlight the combined influence of socio-cultural, economic, and educational factors, compounded by limited access to sexual and reproductive health information. The study underscores the need to strengthen comprehensive sexuality education, encourage parental involvement, and improve access to reproductive health services to reduce early pregnancies among school-aged adolescents.

The health and well-being of women of reproductive age are central to sexual and reproductive health concerns in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), especially in the South Ubangi province. Despite the 2018 ratification of the Maputo Protocol, which advocates for comprehensive abortion care centered on women (SCACF), its implementation remains limited, contributing to high maternal morbidity and mortality rates. The World Health Organization estimates that over 200,000 women die annually in developing countries due to unsafe abortions, a particularly severe issue in areas like Gemena, where maternal deaths, especially among adolescents, are frequent. The high mortality is partly due to social stigma, which views abortion as a criminal act, preventing access to appropriate healthcare services. A study conducted in the Kivu health area revealed significant gaps in the implementation of the Maputo Protocol. Of 21 healthcare providers surveyed, only 2 (9.1%) had received SCACF training, far below WHO standards. Additionally, the necessary infrastructure and equipment to provide quality care were lacking. The study shows that the Maputo Protocol is largely non-functional in the Kivu health area and throughout the Gemena health zone. To address these issues, it is crucial for health sector actors, particularly the government, to ensure the proper application of the protocol. This would not only improve women's health but also contribute to the overall development of the province and the country.