Authorities bemoan unsafe abortions in Phalombe

Phalombe North East legislator Dennis Namachekecha amd otgher duty-bearers has bemoaned the rising cases of unsafe abortions among teenage girls in the district.

Speaking in an interview after a youth engagement meeting with authorities in the district on sexual reproductive health and rights, he said there is need for urgent interventions to help prevent premature deaths.

Namachekecha said: “The figures about the unsafe abortions are worrisome. We need to do something.

“I know there is a Bill on pregnancy termination which is yet to be tabled since there is need to start from the grass roots for people to understand it and that there should be political will.”

Phalombe District Youth Friendly Health Services data shows that in 2021, the office registered 669 cases of unsafe abortions out of 4 123 teenage pregnancies.

On his part, Phalombe District Council chairperson Bernard Komwa urged health authorities to intensify distribution of contraceptives to help prevent teenage pregnancies.

He said: “Looking at the figures, you may not stop one from thinking that a lot of girls are dying because of unsafe abortions in our communities.”

In a separate interview, Phalombe District Youth Friendly Health Services coordinator Esnart Ligoya Kampondeni said they are providing contraceptives to help tame the situation.

Phalombe Youth Arms Organisation executive director Vincent Thom said unsafe abortions are costing lives and causing health complications.