By Yamikani Yapuwa

Thyolo, November 8, Mana: A recent assessment conducted by the Women’s Rights Institute (WORI) has revealed that at least 662 adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Thyolo procured unsafe abortions between January and September this year. 

The findings shared during a dissemination meeting on Thursday, underscored challenges in accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, including limited privacy, cultural beliefs and inadequate communication between parents and young people. 

Reacting to the findings, WORI Thyolo District Project Officer, Kuunika Kamende observed that the barriers have contributed significantly to the rise in complicated abortions in the district.

She stressed the need for stakeholders to collaborate in addressing the challenges. 

“Our goal is to improve access to SRH services by August next year under a €30,000 project. This will involve engaging various stakeholders to tackle restrictions and foster dialogue,” said Kamende.

Thyolo District Hospital Youth-Friendly Health Services Coordinator, Steve Dimba echoed the concerns, emphasizing the critical role of collective efforts in addressing the problem. 

“The health sector alone cannot solve the issue of early pregnancies. We need coordinated actions to enhance uptake of youth-friendly services and address the underlying factors contributing to unsafe abortions,” Dimba said. 

The assessment which focused on Bvumbwe Health Centre and other district health facilities underscored the urgency for interventions to protect adolescent girls and young women from the dangers of unsafe abortions.