BALAKA, Malawi — A consortium of organizations led by Oxfam has launched a seven-year initiative aimed at reducing teenage pregnancies and improving sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) among young people, writes Mary Makhiringa, MANA.
The project, titled Comprehensive Health Options through Innovative Community Engagement (CHOICE), will be implemented by Centre for Alternatives and Victimised Women and Children (CAVWOC), Family Planning Association of Malawi (FPAM), VillageReach and Point of Progress in Lilongwe and Balaka districts.
Speaking during the launch at Sinthano Ground in Traditional Authority Amidu, Secretary for Health Dan Namarika described the country’s teenage pregnancy rate—currently estimated at 30 percent—as alarming.
“This percentage varies from district to district, with Balaka and Lilongwe topping the list, hence the need for community structures in reversing the trend,” said Namarika.
He emphasized the role of religious and traditional leaders in addressing the issue, urging them to act as ambassadors in changing community mindsets and safeguarding young people’s future.
Rejoice Kankhande, Programme Coordinator for SRHR at Oxfam Malawi, said the initiative will target adolescent girls and young women, as well as boys, young men and other vulnerable groups.
“We want to build capacity and raise awareness so that young people have the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices,” Kankhande said, adding that the project will also tackle harmful social and cultural norms that limit access to SRHR services.
The initiative will promote access to family planning services and deploy peer educators equipped with bicycles to expand outreach in communities.
Balaka District Director of Health and Sanitation Services Chimwemwe Thambo welcomed the project, expressing optimism that it will contribute to reducing teenage pregnancies.
The CHOICE project is expected to play a significant role in improving the well-being of young people while strengthening access to essential reproductive health services in the targeted districts.