Blantyre CBDAs trained in sexual rights

Pakachere progressive women’s group, a non-governmental organisation that promotes rights of women and children, has trained community-based distribution agents (CBDAs) for contraceptives to build their capacity in issues of sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR). 

Speaking on the sidelines of the three day training which started on Tuesday and ended on Thursday, executive director Malango Maganga said when community leaders are empowered,  they are able to demand services and hold government accountable.

He said:”We want them to be able to engage policy makers who are responsible for formulating district budget and lobby for increased resource allocation towards SRHR.”

Commenting on the same, Austin Kapila Blantyre DHO senior nursing officer hailed nongovernmental organisations for their efforts in mobilising resources and engaging the community on issues that affecet them. 

One of the community distribution agent, responsible for door to door distribution of contraceptives, Catherine Kamala said the project has made her job easier as people now understand the advantages of using contraceptives. 

In Malawi, 59.2 percent of women aged between 15-49 take contraceptives according to the World Bank collection of development indicators 2016.