‘Seek reproductive health services’
Tovwirane Organisation programme manager Sibongire Wanda has urged youths in Mzimba District to seek sexual and reproductive health services to prevent unplanned pregnancies and contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
She said this on Saturday when her organisation in partnership with Plan Malawi donated 40 bicycles to youth community-based distributing agents from traditional authorities Chindi, Kampingo Sibande and Khosolo.
Said Wanda: “We advocate that youths should have easy access to sexual and reproductive health services within their communities so that they should make informed decisions about their reproductive health.”
She said the bicycles will ease mobility for volunteers to reach more youths with sexual and reproductive health services.
One of the volunteers, Idah Kamanga said many young people in the district fail to access sexual and reproductive health services because their parents do not allow them to do so.
“This has led to the rise in teen pregnancies, early marriages and high school dropouts among the youth in the district,” she said.
Kamanga commended the two organisations for the bicycles, saying they will encourage fellow youths to week sexual and reproductive health services.
Inkosi Kampingo Sibande said it was important to abolish some cultural practices that prevent young people from accessing sexual and reproductive health services in the district.
He urged the youth to access sexual and reproductive health services for their own good.
Mzimba district youth officer Chigonjetso Chiromo asked stakeholders in the district to continue raising awareness about sexual and reproductive health issues.
Tovwirane Organisation is implementing Improving Youth-Friendly Health Services Project in the district with funds from Plan Malawi.
