Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the number of young girls getting pregnant in Jamaica remains a cause for concern.

He made the statement while speaking at a Charity Ball for the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation at the weekend.

Mr. Holness noted that in the 46 years of operation, the Women’s Centre has served over 56,000 young girls.

He said with 11,200 of those in the past 10 years, the statistics show that the issue of adolescent pregnancy is still of importance.

Mr. Holness said a large number of these early pregnancies arise from abuse and that has to be addressed.

He noted several measures put in place by government to address issues such as sexual harassment, domestic abuse and gender based violence.