By Uchindami Msowoya

Mzuzu, August 6, Mana: In its efforts to enhance promotion of youth friendly health services, Voice of Livingstonia (VoL) Radio through its Titchile Speak-Out Program in partnership with Propel health, on Wednesday conducted Youth Contraceptive Awareness matching through a road within Mzuzu City and its surrounding areas.

According to Station Manager for VoL Radio, Rev. Ken Nyirongo the initiatives aimed at reaching out to over 200 adolescents between the ages of 14 and 19.

“Titchile Speak-Out engages young people through both radio and social media platforms by coming up with impactful content on sexual and reproductive health and other relevant health topics in promoting healthy lifestyle amongst the youth,” said Rev. Nyirongo.

Youth Officer who is responsible for Mzimba North and Mzuzu City, Misheck Msokwa urged the youth to term their future by utilizing entrepreneurship opportunities and staying engaged to avoid falling victims of health risking behaviors.

"My appeal to you is take care of yourselves. You should be involved in productive activities and avoid being idle,” Msokwa said.

Sexual Reproductive Health Coordinator for Mzimba North Health Office, Linda Singini said the office is committed to ensuring that all health facilities in the district provide youth friend health services.

“While our focus is on individuals aged between 10 and 24, we are also open to provide services to people of all ages,” said Singini.

One of the young people who patronized the show, Sangulukani Mzembe said the initiative will facilitate easy access of youth health friendly services thereby promoting early treatment seeking behavior among young people.

"Most young people are always hesitant to seek health care services for fear of being judged but through this initiative, that will be history," Mzembe said.

Propel health which is funded by Developing Radio Partners, through Titchile Speak-Out Program promotes community engagement on health education and care, maternal and child health with focus on young people.

The program also provides a platform for discussions of issues of education, gender based violence child, early and forced marriages, sexual transmitted diseases, policy and governance at all levels.