Malawi: Pamoza Tingakwaniska Youth Organisation (PTYO) has made the call for youngsters to engage in safe sexual practices. The call was made for the youngsters in Karonga, where the organization asked them to use contraceptives.
The authorities asserted that this will help them to avoid unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.
Media Officer for PTYO Emmanuel Moyo, made the remarks during a community immersion program on Sunday. The event was organised by PTYO in the area of Group Village Head Mwakifwamba under Paramount Chief Kyungu.
“We believe the dialogue between the youth and health personnel from Karonga District Hospital will answer questions the youths have and raise awareness on family planning methods which will prevent unplanned pregnancies and early marriages,” Moyo said.
“We want the information gap to be broken and authorities should answer questions on how and where the youth can access reproductive health services in the hospitals and ways through which they can prevent sexually transmitted infections,” he added.
District Youth Officer for Karonga District Council Lapken Liwago applauded thee organization for hosting the event the activity saying it was happening on the right day when the world was commemorating World AIDS Day.
“Youths are key in the realisation of Malawi 2063. So we have to invest a lot in them The authorities believe that for good health of the youth, they have to have access to the sexual reproductive health services so that their studies are not disrupted,” Liwago said.
Karonga District Hospital Family Planning Methods Coordinator, Ruth Ngwalo has asked the yougsters to use available family planning methods to prevent unplanned pregnancies. The unplanned and arly pregnancies can cause them from achieving their goals.
“All family planning methods are safe and effective. Do not be misled by misconceptions.”
The officials have confirmed that the services at the hospital are free of charge.
“I will welcome you all to come and get guidance on how best to use them,” said Ngwalo.
PTYO’s Pamoza Youth Friendly One Stop Project (POS) organized the event which sought to bring the community together. The project was funded by Breuckmann Foundation and German Government Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation Development.