Her Liberty and the Girls Activist Youth Organization (GAYO) have encouraged young people to seek medical treatment promptly when they contract sexually transmitted infections (STIs) instead of avoiding health facilities out of fear or embarrassment.
The appeal was made during a youth health outreach programme held at GVH Mlima under Senior Chief Malemia in Zomba District, where the two organisations provided various health services and awareness campaigns targeting young people.
Services offered during the outreach included blood testing, sexual and reproductive health education, awareness on the dangers of unsafe abortion, and information on the risks associated with unprotected sexual activity.
The outreach forms part of a project titled “Enhancing the Reproductive Outcomes for Women and Girls,” which Her Liberty and GAYO are implementing in the area with support from Amplify Change.
Speaking during the event, a representative of the project, Mikwala, said the organisations partnered with H. Parker Health Care Clinic to bring health services closer to the community, particularly to young people who often feel shy about visiting health facilities for STI treatment, HIV testing, and family planning services.
Mikwala said community-based outreach programmes help create a more comfortable environment for youths, increasing their willingness to access essential healthcare services.
She further urged young people not to hesitate to seek medical attention when they are unwell and cautioned them against unsafe abortion practices due to the serious health risks involved.
“As organisations, it is our responsibility to bring health services closer to young people so that they can freely access the care they need,” she said.
H. Parker Health Care Clinic Clinical Technician and Officer-in-Charge, Mphatso Chimwemwe Ndeule, commended Her Liberty and GAYO for organising the outreach, saying it would help young people feel more confident in seeking healthcare services.
Ndeule also warned youths against engaging in unsafe abortion practices, stressing that such actions can endanger their lives.
Youth chairperson for the area, Tendai Meja, said the initiative would help young people overcome fear and stigma surrounding STI treatment and blood testing.
Meanwhile, GVH Mlima said the outreach had increased awareness among youths about the dangers of unsafe abortion and unprotected sex.
He pledged to work with village heads in the area to ensure the messages shared during the programme continue to reach more young people through community meetings and awareness activities.
