Jalisco Strengthens Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Efforts with GEPEAJAL
With the aim of bolstering social justice and safeguarding the rights of children and youth, state agencies in Jalisco, Mexico, convened the Third Ordinary Session of the State Group for the Prevention of Pregnancy in Adolescents (GEPEAJAL). The meeting focused on reviewing 2025 statistics, evaluating the progress of the NAME Route for comprehensive care of pregnant adolescents, and examining municipal prevention strategies.
Comprehensive Support and Prevention
GEPEAJAL operates as a technical mechanism designed to provide effective support, prevent re-victimization, and ensure access to essential health and education services for adolescent mothers and pregnant girls. Fabiola Loya Hernández, Technical Secretary of GEPEAJAL and head of the Secretariat of Substantive Equality between Women and Men (SISEMH), emphasized the commitment of the current administration to strengthen the group as a key instrument for prevention, care, and access to justice.
Municipal and Regional Strategies
The Associations for Equality (API) program was presented, detailing its work in collaboration with civil associations to deliver information, support, and alternatives to adolescents. In 2025, interventions were carried out in the municipalities of Mezquitic, Tapalpa, Jocotepec, and Poncitlán. This year, the Lagunas Region will be the focus, receiving a budget of 2 million pesos for these initiatives.
A primary objective is the establishment of Municipal Groups to Prevent Teenage Pregnancy (GUMPEAS) across all 125 municipalities in the state.
Preventive Campaigns and Inter-Institutional Collaboration
The Youth Directorate introduced a preventive campaign integrating mental, physical, and sexual health programs within educational centers and social media platforms. Key components include the EDUSEX Caravan and comprehensive health days, promoting informed decision-making and self-care practices.
The session saw participation from Andrea Blanco Calderón, General Strategic Coordinator of Social Development, alongside leaders and representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Office of the Protection of Girls, Boys and Adolescents, and various civil society organizations. Formats and dates were as well established for the annual Work Plan of the participating institutions.
Alignment with National Strategy
GEPEAJAL’s efforts in Jalisco are aligned with the National Strategy for the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy (ENAPEA). The overarching goal is to reduce fertility rates among minors through comprehensive education and coordinated actions.