Unsafe Abortion Rates Alarm Officials in Zomba District, Malawi
The media orientation took place on September 27, 2024, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat unsafe abortions in the region.
ZOMBA, Malawi— Rising cases of unsafe abortions among adolescent girls and young women in Zomba district have raised concerns about increasing death rates, officials said Friday, writes Peter Davieson.
The issue came to light during a media orientation on unsafe abortion organized by Her Liberty in partnership with Girls Activists Youth Organization (GAYO). The event aimed to equip journalists with knowledge on reporting abortion-related issues.
Ketti Mikwala, project manager for Her Liberty, said the two organizations are implementing a 12-month "Amplify the Change" project in Traditional Authority Malemia, Zomba.
The initiative seeks to address the challenges of unsafe abortion among adolescent girls and women in the district.
"A recent survey indicates that young girls and women from Traditional Authority Malemia are using traditional methods for abortions, such as aloe vera and overdosing on Bufeni, which puts their lives at risk," Mikwala said.
The project aims to increase access to sexual and reproductive health resources, information, and services by 60% within 12 months. It also focuses on raising awareness about the consequences of unsafe abortions and preventing such practices.
Mikwala added, "Our objective is to increase access to sexual reproductive health rights resources, information, and services by 60 percent by the end of the project in 12 months."
According to the data presented, 18% of maternal deaths in Malawi result from unsafe abortion practices.
Mikwala urged all stakeholders to work collaboratively to curb this trend in the country.
The media orientation took place on September 27, 2024, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat unsafe abortions in the region.