By Burnett Munthali

In a bid to address the rising cases of early pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young people in Kasungu, Umunthu FM, in collaboration with the Youth Action Movement (YAM), has launched a powerful awareness initiative. The call to action follows a sensitization event held in Mbeta Village, aimed at encouraging young people to prioritize their health by seeking medical assistance and adopting family planning practices.

The event highlighted the impact of the M1 road construction project, which has brought an influx of people and created an environment that has led to a rise in such cases. In response, Umunthu FM and YAM have stepped in to provide critical information and resources, especially targeting youth in the area.

Collings Kalivute, Umunthu FM’s field officer, elaborated on the station’s “Inclusivity Our Priority” project, which seeks to make sexual and reproductive health services more accessible for young people across three traditional authorities in Kasungu. This initiative is part of a broader effort to create a supportive environment where youth can make informed decisions about their health and futures.

“The ‘Inclusivity Our Priority’ project is about reaching out to the young people who need it most, especially those who are vulnerable to the pressures and challenges brought on by rapid changes in their community,” Kalivute explained. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that youth are not only informed but also have access to vital health services, which can be life-changing.

Grace Ngulube, a representative from the Kasungu District Health Office, revealed concerning statistics: only 10% of the district’s 340,256 youth currently access sexual and reproductive health services. Between July and September alone, the district recorded 2,529 cases of adolescent pregnancies, underscoring the urgent need for better access to health resources.

Ngulube emphasized that without access to family planning and reproductive health services, Kasungu’s youth face significant challenges, which impact not only their personal lives but also the socio-economic development of the district. “We are concerned about these numbers and the potential consequences if no action is taken. Working with partners like Umunthu FM and YAM is crucial to reversing these trends,” she said.

The campaign calls on young people to take proactive steps in their health journey by using available health services and family planning options, which are crucial to reducing rates of early pregnancies and STIs. Through community sensitization events, Umunthu FM and YAM aim to shift attitudes and encourage open discussions, addressing both cultural taboos and lack of information that often prevent youth from seeking help.

By making sexual and reproductive health services accessible, Umunthu FM and YAM are not only advocating for the health of Kasungu’s youth but also for their empowerment and brighter future.