Teenage pregnancy remains a major public health concern in Malawi, with about 30 percent of adolescent girls affected, prompting renewed efforts to address the crisis in high-burden districts such as Balaka and Lilongwe.
This comes as the Centre for Alternatives for Victimised Women and Children (CAVWOC) launched the The Comprehensive Health Options Through Innovative Community Engagement (CHOICE) project at Sinthano Ground in Traditional Authority Amidu in Balaka, targeting people living in poverty, marginalisation and vulnerability, particularly women, girls and adolescents.
The initiative focuses on improving sexual and reproductive health and rights, including access to information and services, while also addressing harmful social and cultural norms affecting young people.
Speaking during the launch, Secretary for Health and Sanitation, Dr Dan Namalika, said one in every three girls aged around 17 in Malawi is either pregnant or has already given birth, noting that Balaka and Lilongwe are among the most affected districts.
“One in every three girls aged around 17 in Malawi is either pregnant or has already given birth,” said Dr Namalika.
CHOICE project is funded by Global Affairs Canada, is being implemented by a consortium comprising CAVWOC, Oxfam Malawi, Family Planning Association of Malawi, Point of Progress Networking for Youth Development, Ipas, and VillageReach. The project targets Traditional Authorities Kalembo and Amidu.
Program Coordinator for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights at Oxfam Malawi, Regina Kankhande, said the project will reach about 36,000 young people in Balaka and Lilongwe over seven years.
She added that 40 bicycles have been distributed to youth volunteers who will serve as peer educators, helping to spread information aimed at reducing teenage pregnancies.
“We want to build the capacity and raise awareness on sexual and reproductive health and rights among young people so that they are empowered to make informed decisions,” said Kankhade.
By Hellen Luwayo, Balaka
