By Albert Mulizakamba

Balaka, October 03, Mana: Family Health Services (FHS) through Umoyo Wathu Project has called for collaborative effort among all parties in Balaka to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and promote Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Services (SRHRS) for Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW).

FHS Chief of Party for Umoyo Wathu Program, John Munthali, made the sentiments Wednesday in Balaka when presenting the project to District Executive Committee (DEC) members, stressing the innovative approaches adopted in the program would enhance healthcare delivery and address GBV in the district.

He said: “Our main objective is to raise awareness about sexual reproductive health rights (SRHR) and family planning services among youths and marginalized groups, including people living with disabilities."

Munthali further revealed that many girls under the age of 18 face various forms of GBV due to limited access to SRHRS in their areas.

"The program aims at assisting Balaka District by providing various health services, particularly in family planning and SRHR, especially in remote areas," he stated.

He added that the program will involve training of health workers in 19 health centres to deliver long-term family planning services, educating communities about SRHR and family planning, and providing cervical cancer screening services through outreach clinics.

Director of Planning and Development for Balaka District Council, Chris Nawata, commended the program as timely.

 “The district will adopt a concerted effort among various parties, including the District Health Office to transcend the aim of this programme,” he said.

Nawata therefore called for local authorities to welcome the development with a positive mindset, adding that such initiatives complement government efforts to fulfill universal health coverage.

The Umoyo Wathu program will also equip the youth with economic skills and train mother groups to disseminate Family Planning Services (FPS).

The project is funded by the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the British Government and will be implemented for four years in nine districts including Balaka.