Her Liberty and the Girls Activist Youth Organization (GAYO) have advised young people to avoid unself abortion and not to be afraid of going to the hospital to receive treatment.
The two organizations made this appeal in GVH Mlima, under Senior Chief Malemia in Zomba District, where they conducted an outreach program providing health services to youths.
These services included blood testing, awareness on the dangers of unsafe abortion, and the risks of engaging in unprotected sexual activities, among others.
Her Liberty and GAYO are jointly implementing a project in the area of Senior Chief Malemia called;“Enhancing the Reproductive Outcomes for Women and Girls” with support from Amplify Change.
Speaking during an outreach meeting at G H Mlima, Her Liberty Project Officer, Kettie Mikwala said they decided to bring H. Parker Health Care Clinic closer to the community to provide various forms of assistance to young people who often feel shy to visit hospitals for treatment, HIV testing, and accessing family planning services.
She explained that bringing health services closer to young people is very helpful because it allows them to feel more comfortable and increases their chances of accessing care.
Mikwala further encouraged youths not to feel shy about going to the hospital when they are sick and warned them against unsafe abortion practices due to the risks involved.
“As organizations, it is our responsibility to bring health services closer to young people so that they can freely access the care they need,”she said.
Speaking at the same event, Mphatso Chimwemwe Ndeule, a Clinical Technician and In-Charge at H. Parker Health Care Clinic, thanked Her Liberty and GAYO for bringing health services closer to youths, saying this will help them feel more comfortable in seeking assistance.
Ndeule also advised young people to avoid unsafe abortion practices, as they put their lives at great risk.
In his remarks, the youth chairperson for the area, Tendai Meja, said the initiative by Her Liberty and GAYO will encourage young people to overcome shyness and seek medical treatment for sexually transmitted infections as well as go for blood testing.
GVH Mlima, who was also present at the event, said the activities by Her Liberty and GAYO have helped youths in the area understand the dangers of unsafe abortion and the risks of engaging in unprotected sex.
He pledged to spread this message to village heads in their area so that during community meetings, young people can be advised to avoid unsafe abortion practices and the risks associated with them.
