Lack of youth-friendly health services fuels early pregnancies in Karonga
Some of the participants during a big walk
By Winkly Mwaulambo
Efforts to promote Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) in Karonga are being hindered by inadequate youth-friendly health services.
Between April 2023 and March 2024, Karonga District Hospital recorded 2,687 cases of early pregnancies, a troubling indicator of the challenge.
Speaking at GVH Mwangwebo during a Big Walk organized by Pamoza Tingakwaniska Youth Organization, Karonga District Family Planning Coordinator Ruth Ngwalo highlighted the barriers young people face in accessing health services.
She explained that many youths avoid visiting hospitals due to shyness and discomfort caused by sharing facilities with older adults. This reluctance often leads to disengagement from critical services.
Ngwalo expressed optimism about the upcoming launch of a One-Stop Centre by Pamoza Tingakwaniska Youth Organization.
She believes the facility, tailored to youth needs, will encourage young people to access reproductive health services without fear of judgment.
She also noted that most young people engage in sexual activities out of curiosity rather than the intent to conceive, exposing them to risks like early pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which are rising alarmingly in the district.
Walusungu Kaseghe, Chairperson of Mbande Youth Network, echoed Ngwalo’s sentiments.
He emphasized that long distances to health facilities and feelings of shame deter youths, especially in remote areas, from seeking help.
Kaseghe commended Pamoza Tingakwaniska Youth Organization for bringing services closer to communities, empowering young people with critical knowledge about SRHR.
He encouraged youths to join community clubs as a proactive measure against early pregnancies and STIs.
Emmanuel Moyo, Media Officer for Pamoza Tingakwaniska Youth Organization, explained the purpose of the Big Walk: to make young people ambassadors of family planning and SRHR.
He stressed the importance of peer-to-peer education and noted that Karonga’s proximity to the lake increases exposure to risky sexual behaviors.
Moyo affirmed that the One-Stop Centre will provide a safe space for the district’s youth to access vital services and information.
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