NGO advocates for SRH services

Youth Coalition for Consolidation of Democracy, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has asked councillors in Chikwawa to lead the way towards access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services among adolescent youths.

Speaking on Wednesday during Chikwawa District Executive Committee Meeting, the organisation’s executive director Francis Folley said they have developed an SRH charter to empower the youth to demand SRH services.

He said: “There are gaps in the provision of SRH services due to lack of such services in some public health facilities.

“We have also asked councillors to lobby for increased budgetary support towards SRH services.”

On his part, Chikwawa District Council chairperson Gerald Bede said they would support the organisation’s concept.

He said: “We are ready to work with government agencies and NGOs to serve the youth.

“We hope to tailor the SRH concept charter into the district’s development plan.”

In a separate interview, the National Youth Council of Malawi communications and advocacy officer Kate Kujaliwa commended the organisation for the role it is playing in Chikwawa.

“We hope other groups will emulate the gesture set by the organisation,” he said.

Kujaliwa, however, appealed to youth organisations in the country to register with the council.