By Rose Cross Mahorya

Mzuzu, June 24, Mana: Authorities in Mzimba North have raised concern over the rising number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and early pregnancies among young people, attributing the trend to limited access to youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.

According to officials, out of the 27 health centres in the district, only four are equipped with operational Youth Corners, which are dedicated spaces for young people to access SRH services in a safe and confidential environment.

This inadequacy has been cited as a contributing factor to the alarming rates of infections and unplanned pregnancies among adolescents.

District Youth Officer (DYO) for Mzimba North, Lughano Msokwa, has appealed to stakeholders to step up efforts in funding and supporting behaviour change programmes aimed at young people.

Msokwa said, “Our young people are exposed to so much information and freedom without proper guidance. Unfortunately, most parents today are ill-equipped to handle the behavioural challenges that come with raising adolescents.”

He said the lack of investment in behaviour change and youth-targeted health services is now showing through these concerning numbers.

Statistics from Zolozolo and Nkhorongo health facilities within the city indicate that over 1,000 STI cases and 19 early pregnancies are recorded each month, figures health officials describe as alarming and unsustainable.

Msokwa stressed that addressing youth health challenges requires a multisectoral approach. “We need schools, churches, health workers, parents, and policymakers to work together. These numbers are not just statistics—they reflect real lives and real futures at risk.”

District Medical Officer for Mzimba North, Dr. Shadreck Ngwira, echoed the concern, saying the district is struggling to meet the needs of the youth population due to under resourced health facilities.

Ngwira said, “We have only four functional Youth Corners across the entire district which is just 15 percent of our health centres. This is far from enough, and it’s clearly affecting young people’s access to vital SRH information and services.”

He added that plans are underway to partner with development organizations and community stakeholders to improve the availability of youth-friendly services, especially in high-risk areas.

Youth Corners are designed to provide a safe space for adolescents to access contraceptives, HIV testing, counselling, and STI treatment without fear of stigma. However, many have either shut down or operate irregularly due to funding challenges, lack of trained personnel, or poor prioritisation.

Experts argue that the current rise in youth STIs and early pregnancies is reflective of a broader national issue.

According to the National Youth Policy, over 60% of Malawi’s population is under the age of 25, yet youth health programming remains underfunded.