Youths engaged on reproductive health
Pamoza Tingakwaniska Youth Organisation has encouraged youths in Karonga District to access sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.
The non-governmental organisation’s (NGO) media officer Emmanuel Moyo said this on Saturday during a march they organised at Karonga Boma to disseminate SRH messages.
He said the march was an effective way of disseminating SRH messages to the community.
“The big walk sought to raise awareness to youths that we are here to champion SRH services to help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections [STIs] and unplanned pregnancies,” said Moyo.
Mbande Youth Network chairperson Walusungu Kaseye said the march provided a platform for youths to interact with fellow youths, parents and other stakeholders.
He said: “One of the challenges is shortage of youth corners in public health facilities for young people to access SRH services.
“However, the NGO is constructing a one-stop centre which will provide SRH services to the youth.”
Group village head Mwambetamya said traditional leaders also joined stakeholders to combat early marriages and teenage pregnancies through awareness campaigns.
Karonga district youth officer Lapken Liwago commended the NGO for the initiative.
“If we talk of the Malawi 2063, then we have to ensure that the youth are protected from teen pregnancies and STIs,” he said.
The march was organised under the theme ‘Healthier choices, stronger communities”. The youth marched from Karonga District Hospital Turn-off to Karonga Freedom Park while carrying placards with SRH and family planning messages.
The event was supported by Breuckmann Foundation and German Government Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation Development.
