‘Empower health workers to provide post-abortion care’

Ntcheu District Health Office post-abortion care coordinator Mwayi Sabola-Banda has asked authorities to equip more healthcare workers with skills to provide post-abortion care services in the district.

Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, she said lack of health workers’ capacity was affecting the delivery of post-abortion care in the district

Said Banda: “For example, one healthcare worker offers assistance to patients in at least three health centres.

“However, I commend Family Planning Association of Malawi [Fpam] for coming up with Large Anonymous Donor Project to support post-abortion care services in the district.”

Fpam Ntcheu district manager Given Chilimira said they want create demand for post-abortion care services among women and girls in the district.

“Young girls and women now access post-abortion care services in our health facilities. However, we urge people to access the services on time to avoid complications,” he said.

Lizulu Health Centre post-abortal care service provider Vellina Lumwira said the use of herbals among young girls and women is the main cause of induced abortions.

“In addition, lack of youth-friendly health services in health centres is affecting the uptake of family planning methods among youths, leading to unplanned pregnancies,” she said.

Stella Kasiyafumbi from Traditional Authority Ganya, who received post-abortion care services, commended Fpam for saving her life.

Fpam is implementing the project in Ntcheu and Lilongwe districts to encourage women and girls to access post-abortion care services.