Development Network for Youth and Empowerment has called for equitable access to sexual and reproductive health service among the youth in Machinga District to prevent child marriages and teen pregnancies.

The call follows a Machinga District Gender Office report that the district registered at least 600 child marriages between January and November 2023.

Speaking on Tuesday during a meeting with community members from Traditional Authority Mtumbwinda, the organisation’s executive director Shalid Ishmael said it was worrisome that many youths were forced into early marriages due to pregnancies, which could be avoided if there was access to sexual and reproductive health services.

Ishmael speaking to community members

He said: “It is crucial that young people have access to accurate information on sexual and reproductive health services to make informed decisions about their sexual health.

“Providing comprehensive sexual education is a key component. It empowers youths with knowledge and helps them to navigate relationships and make good choices.”

Elizabeth Biziwick, a youth representative in the area, bemoaned long distances to health centres, saying they prevent many youths from accessing contraceptives.

“We cover about 20 kilometres to a nearby health facility where we can access sexual and reproductive health services.

“However, I request duty-bearers to implement outreach clinics to ensure the youth access contraceptives within reach,” he said.

Mtumbwinda Area Development Committee chairperson Lanjesi Masale said they will strengthen by-laws to protect children in the area.

“We have so far terminated 15 child marriages since last year. We will continue to engage traditional leaders and other stakeholders to end child marriages,” he said.  

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