Youths at Bolero in Rumphi have decried high unemployment levels and lack of vocational skills.
The youths expressed their sentiments on Saturday at Bolero Trading Centre during a training on youth-friendly health services organised by Life Concern Organisation (Lico).
“Many youths have no jobs or vocational skills that would help them fend for themselves. As such, they resort to substance and drug abuse thus putting themselves at risk of contracting HIV and Aids,” said peer educator Blessings Chirambo.
Another youth, Happiness Kamanga, asked for the establishment of more youth-friendly corners in rural health centres to provide youths access to sexual reproductive health services.
Lico programmes manager Marlex Mkandawire said his organisation is working with the Ministry of Health through the district health office to ensure that every health centre in the district has a functional youth-friendly corner where the youths can access sexual reproductive health services.
He said Lico is also providing HIV testing and counselling (HTC) services and sporting activities that attract the youths.
Youth friendly corners are one of the initiatives the organisation is implementing to combat the spread of HIV and Aids.
It is being implemented under the Community Systems Strengthening (CSS), which Global Fund is funding. n
