Parents asked to allow their children access to SRH services in Karonga

By Winkly Mwaulambo

Group Village Head Mwakiyo Malema in Karonga has appealed to parents in her area to stop preventing their children from accessing family planning services.

The appeal was made after a Big Walk organized by Pamoza Tingakwaniska Youth Organization to raise awareness about available family planning methods and sexual reproductive health (SRH) rights.

The event also provided a platform for youth to interact with health personnel on these issues.

According to Mwakiyo Malema, times have changed, and parents should be more flexible in allowing their children to access such services.

She emphasized that doing so can help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies, enabling young people to focus on their education.

“Parents should understand that allowing their children to access family planning services does not promote prostitution. Instead, it provides a safe environment where they can avoid STIs and early pregnancies. Therefore, they should be allowed to concentrate on their studies,” she explained.

However, she also urged youth to be respectful to their parents while seeking approval to access such services.

Karonga District Youth Officer Lapken Liwango, for his part, highlighted the importance of the event, noting that many young people face barriers to accessing SRH services.

“It is crucial that messages about sexual reproductive health rights reach a wider audience, bridging the longstanding gap in awareness. This initiative prepares youth to embrace the One Stop Centre that the organization is constructing in the district,” said Liwango.

Chairperson for Malema 2 Youth Club, Maina Munthali, stated that many young people struggle to access SRH services because they are often stigmatized as being promiscuous.

She thanked Pamoza Tingakwaniska Youth Organization for organizing the event, expressing hope that it would help raise awareness among parents and the community about the importance of such services.

Speaking after the event, Karonga Youth Friendly Coordinator at Karonga District Hospital, McLean Theu, noted that teenage pregnancies remain a significant issue in parts of the district.

Pamoza Tingakwaniska Youth Organization Media Officer Emmanuel Moyo acknowledged a positive shift in youth attitudes toward SRH rights, stating that they are now more willing to seek such services and openly interact with health personnel for guidance.

He added that this trend could help reduce STI cases in the district.

The organization has been engaging youth and community leaders across Karonga through similar initiatives as it prepares to launch a One Stop Centre later this year.