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JAM | Jan 15, 2025

Melonia Waugh Foundation calls for action in wake of teen mom’s death

/ Our Today

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(Photo: DreamsTime.com)

The Melonia Waugh Shining Hope Foundation said it is deeply saddened by the passing of 14-year-old Anna-Shay Campbell during childbirth last December 2024.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time,” the group said. 

The group said that this “devastating incident underscores the urgent need to address the systemic challenges faced by adolescent mothers in Jamaica”, and even more so, how easily “we forget the social impact on our culture and our people”.

The group said that it is imperative that the government strengthens the island’s healthcare systems, social support networks, and educational programmes to ensure the safety and well-being of young mothers and their children.

Below is a statement from Dr Eugenie Brown-Myrie, executive director of The Melonia Waugh Shining Hope Foundation on the incident:

Dr Eugenie Brown-Myrie. (Photo: Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica)

“The loss of such a young life is a profound tragedy that resonates deeply within our community. This incident highlights the critical gaps in our healthcare and social support systems that must be addressed to protect our most vulnerable populations. We stand committed to advocating for comprehensive reforms and support mechanisms to prevent such tragedies in the future.

In light of this tragedy, The Melonia Waugh Shining Hope Foundation calls upon:

  • Healthcare authorities to immediately conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this young mother’s death and to implement necessary systematic measures to prevent similar occurrences. These must be embedded into the operating system islandwide.
  • Government and policymakers to prioritise the development and enforcement of policies that provide robust support and protection for adolescent mothers, including access to quality healthcare, education, and social services.
  • Community and civil society organisations to collaborate in creating a supportive environment that empowers young mothers, offering them the resources and assistance they need to thrive.

The Melonia Waugh Shining Hope Foundation remains unwavering in its commitment to addressing the systemic issues faced by adolescent mothers in Jamaica. Through our tailored programmes, we focus on education, healthcare access, and empowerment, ensuring that young mothers are given the tools to rebuild their lives and achieve their fullest potential. This tragic loss serves as a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done. We call upon every Jamaican to join us in creating a safer, more supportive environment where young mothers and their children can thrive. Together, through collective action, systematic mentorship, and meaningful reforms, we can make 2025 a year of transformation, resilience, and hope for Jamaica’s future. 

We also urge full transparency in the investigation surrounding this tragedy, ensuring accountability and fostering trust in the systems designed to protect our most vulnerable citizens. As a nation, we must learn from these hard, painful lessons, just as much as we celebrate successes. This will ensure that we address systemic failings and implement meaningful reforms that safeguard the lives and futures of adolescent mothers and their children.

The Melonia Waugh Shining Hope Foundation, a Christian Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), was founded by the late Dr Melania Waugh, driven by her firsthand experience of the devastating impact teenage pregnancy has on young girls with great potential. She witnessed how society and, in many cases, families abandoned these young mothers, leaving them to navigate a hostile environment with little support.

The foundation focuses on designing and executing initiatives to complement existing organisations, offering access to tertiary-level scholarships, social services, and educational opportunities for adolescent mothers. Its upcoming mentorship programme, developed in collaboration with a major university in Jamaica, marks another step in its mission to empower and uplift.

With every effort, the foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to inspiring hope, restoring lives.”

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