By Chisomo Sezi
The increasing rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents, particularly girls aged 10-24, have raised significant concerns in Mzimba District.
Participants during the meeting PIC Chisomo Sezi
This was revealed on Monday during a meeting between Mzimba Youth Organization through National Youth Council of Malawi with funding from UNICEF, aimed at fostering dialogue between youth and duty bearers regarding the challenges they face.
During the meeting, it was discovered that STIs cases are high in females than males.
For instance, in January to June 2024 alone, Mzimba South District Health Office registered 250 females and 120 males with STIs, while in August, the records gathered at the boma alone, indicated 59 females and 27 cases of STIs for females and males respectively.
The Executive Director of the Mzimba Youth Organization, Moses Nkhana, emphasized the importance of the meeting, noting that while the organization plays a role in addressing youth issues, it is primarily the responsibility of duty bearers to provide essential services.
"The session aimed to create a platform for adolescents to interact with those in positions of authority and discuss the pressing issues that affect their lives." said Nkhana.
Nkhana highlighted the organization’s commitment to complementing government efforts towards the health well-being of the youths and proposed the creation of a work plan to ensure the duty bearers fulfill their responsibilities in reducing cases of STIs and teenage pregnancies in the district.
He stressed the need for regular sensitization meetings focused on improving access to STI prevention measures.
Deputy Youth Friendly Health Services Coordinator, Tausly Kondowe, reported a concerning rise in STI's cases in Mzimba District.
"In January 2024 alone, there were 250 affected females and 120 affected males in Mzimba South, while the previous month of August, the Mzimba boma alone, registered 59 cases of STIs among females and 27 among males," said kondowe.
Kondowe attributed these rising numbers to various factors, including a lack of awareness on condom use, discomfort in seeking contraceptive services, and risky behaviours, such as one male dating multiple girls.
He said to combat these issues, there is need to outline plans for youth-focused services, including the establishment of youth corners that will offer specialized STI's education and resources.
She urged young people to prioritize their health by using contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancies and STIs.
Treasurer of the Youth Inspired Talented Club, Glory Chilinga, said most youths are engaging into bad behaviours due to lack of parental support.
"Many youths find themselves in precarious situations, sometimes resorting to relationships with older individuals for financial assistance, which has led to high risks of STIs,” said Chilinga.
Chilinga called for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders to develop concrete solutions to such challenges, emphasizing that collective action is essential for safeguarding the future of the youth.
District Youth Officer for M'mbelwa District Council, Yamikani Nyalugwe, highlighted the lack of adequate health services tailored to the needs of young people, saying improving access to these services is crucial in curbing the rise of STIs among adolescents.
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