Youths from Mchinji, Lilongwe and Dowa districts have bemoaned persistent challenges in accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.

They expressed the sentiments on Friday in Dowa during a workshop on SRH organised by Girls Activist Youth Organisation (Gayo) from Mchinji and Centre for Youth Empowerment and Civic Education (Cyece).

Speaking in an interview, Ishmael Phiri, one of the participants, said they still face challenges to access SRH services.

He said: “The major obstacles include age-gap between service providers and the youth, which makes it difficult for young people to open up on what they want.

A panel discussion underway during the conference

“Second, the society still frowns upon youths who demand condoms or family planning services. Such youths are branded as immoral.”

Phiri also cited lack of female condoms and conflicting SRH policies as some of the challenges.

Ministry of Youth and Sports director of youth Judith Msusa commended the two non-governmental organisations for providing a platform for young people to address their concerns.

“This dialogue enables the government to develop programmes that respond to pertinent issues,” she said.

Cyece executive director Lucky Mbewe said the youth also conducted research on various topics and the symposium provided a valuable opportunity to disseminate their findings and engage in in-depth discussions.

The two NGOs are implementing Sexuality Education for Transformation Project in the three districts.

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