Youths want health services within reach
Youths in group village head Saopa in Chikwawa have bemoaned long distances as one of the factors preventing them from accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.
The youth raised the concern during a dialogue meeting organised by Centre for Alternatives for Victimised Women and Children (Cavwoc) in Nchalo on Wednesday.
their concerns
Saopa Youth Club chairperson Peter Symon said they travel about 15 to 20 kilometres to access SRH at Ngabu Health Centre.
“We appeal to government and other stakeholders to come in and support us,” he said.
On his part, Chikwawa District Health Office family planning coordinator Mzikola Billy acknowledged the problem, but said they conduct outreach clinics together with partners such as Population Services International and other non-governmental organisations to fill the gap.
He said the outreach clinics were not fully implemented in the district due to some logistical hiccups.
Billy, however, expressed worry over some harmful cultural practices which affect young people’s future.
He said Chikwawa DHO is collaborating with chiefs to have one voice in addressing the situation
Cavwoc is implementing a Malawian Youth Kicks-Back project to empower youths in various aspects of life. The project is funded by UEFA Foundation.
