Karonga District Hospital senior nursing officer Yusuf Salimu has commended Pamoza Tingakwaniska Youth Organisation for constructing a youth-friendly one-stop centre.
He said the facility will help to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and teenage pregnancies in the district.
Salimu was speaking on Saturday to journalists when the non-governmental organisation (NGO) opened the facility.
He said the district hospital treats 200 STI cases per day with 80 percent registered from youthful girls.
“The launch of this multi million kwacha facility is a positive relief to us because it will help the youth to seek sexual and reproductive health messages and treatment of STIs,” he said.
Village head Mwambetania also commended the NGO for the structure.
“Apart from serving the community, the facility has beautified the area. Therefore, let every youth take care of the building,” he said.
The organisation’s board vice-chairperson Jabess Nyirenda expressed hope that the facility will benefit many youths in the district.
“We plead with the youth to utilise the services that will be under one roof so that we have productive citizens who will develop the nation,” he said.
On his part, Breuckmann Foundation founder Bernd Breuckmann said the facility complements government’s long term development strategy, Malawi 2063 as it will improve the quality of life for Malawians.
He said: “This centre is not just a facility but a promise that young people have access to accurate information, quality health services, safety and HIV testing and counselling.
“By providing these services, the centre advances sustainable development goals, particularly for good health and well-being, quality education and gender equality by ensuring that no young person is left behind.”
Breuckmann Foundation and German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development pumped in K277 million for the facility
