Body takes family planning to communities in Ntcheu

Family Planning Association of Malawi (Fpam) is taking family planning messages in Ntcheu District closer to the people through Kulinga Mawa film shows.

Ntcheu district Fpam manager Saukira Sitima said the initiative seeks to create awareness among the communities on the negative impacts of overpopulation.

“Overpopulation has exerted pressure on land, education, employment as well as health, among others. As Fpam, we feel people lack information on such issues; hence, the initiative,” he said.

Sitima hopes that at the end of the campaign, communities will have understood the negative impact of overpopulation and adop family planning methods.

“We are using this campaign to raise awareness and ensure that communities have access to modern contraceptives in four traditional authorities of Champiti, Phambala, Ganya and Njolomole and so far we have reached to over 10 000 people,” he said.

Statistics from Ntcheu District Hospital show that modern contraceptive uptake for the district is at 46 percent.

Annes Phiri, who patronised the film show at Senzani, said the documentary was an eye-opener.

“I have been hearing about family planning methods on radio and from friends, but was not interested to use them. But after watching the documentary, I have made up my mind that I will start using them,” she said.

Kulinga Mawa is a documentary that compares two families; one with a small and manageable size and another with a big size facing socio-economic problems. The campaign is being funded by the European Union.