By Solister Mogha

Zomba, August, 31 Mana: Her Liberty, a Women and Youth led Non-Governmental Organization based in Zomba has urged women in the district to seek right reproductive health services.

Her Liberty Project Manager, Kettie Mikwala, made the appeal Friday during a community awareness meeting at Traditional Authority (TA) Malemia’s area.

She expressed concern over women’s limited access to information on reproductive health issues.

Mikwala said 18 percent of maternal deaths in the country are as a result of unsafe abortions, a development she described as equally worrisome.

She, therefore, said through the organization’s interventions, women will be empowered to understand issues about reproductive health and rights as well as how to access modern and appropriate contraceptives.

“Our goal is to contribute to a safer and healthier environment by advocating for safe spaces for young people.

“What we want, at the end of the day, is to bring about positive change to the lives of adolescents, women and girls by diminishing the prevalence of unsafe abortions and tackling the root causes contributing to unsafe practices.” She said

Senior Chief Malemia hailed Her Liberty organization for bridging the information gap on reproductive health issues, saying people will be able to make informed decisions only if they are empowered.

“Health information is paramount in our day to day life. It is our expectation that, through these engagements, cases of maternal death will be reduced since community members will have right information,” the Chief said.

Heath Promotion Officer for Zomba District Health Office, Arnold Mndalira, said partners have a role of complementing government’s efforts in providing adequate information on reproductive health to women.

He commended the organization for championing issues of reproductive health in the district.