Health workers in eastern Malawi's district of Machinga have observed a worrying increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) GRACE CHIKWATi of Malawi News Agency writes
Health authorities in Machinga District are alarmed by a rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young people, with 2,966 cases reported from January to June this year, up from 2,131 cases in the same period last year.
Machinga District Health Office spokesperson, Wongani Nyirenda disclosed this in an interview on Monday.
He said the rise in STI cases highlight the need to strengthen efforts aimed at preventing the spread of infections among young people.
“The increase in cases shows that we need to intensify prevention measures, including providing young people with information and access to health services that can help them protect themselves,” said Nyirenda.
He added that the district health office will continue strengthening youth-friendly services, including sexual health education, counselling, and other interventions aimed at reducing new infections.
Meanwhile, Machinga District Youth Network Chairperson Asima Kapalepale has called on authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that sexual reproductive health messages reach young people in rural communities, where access to information remains a challenge.
Chairperson for the Civil Society Organization (CSO) Network in Machinga, Belinda Somanje Chimombo, urged young people to make use of available prevention methods and seek health services early.
She encouraged youths to take responsibility of their sexual health by accessing accurate information and using available services to protect themselves.