Youth Initiative for Community Development (YICOD) together with its partners convened a National-Youth led dialogue to demand Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) as well as Youth-Friendly Health Services (YFHS) in Malawi.
The dialogue provided a platform for young people to present their challenges and recommendations on YFHS/SRHR programming, follow up on the implementation of key recommendations agreed upon at previous National Youth Conferences on youth- targeted HIV and AIDS and SRHR also amplified their voices and drove substantial change towards better SRH/YHS financing and accountability in Malawi.
Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo who was the guest of honour emphasized the need to prioritize Youth-Friendly Services, especially in rural areas where accessibility remains a challenge, cautioning against misinformation propagated via social media, contributing to depression among the youth.
She further urged non-governmental organizations to disseminate accurate information extensively, focusing on rural communities and she outlined government plans for financing healthcare programs, aiming to enhance Youth-Friendly Health Services.
“My ministry is working on all your concerns, and come the next budget you will see changes as there will be improvements on matters of health especially the youths,” she said.
YICOD together with its consortium partners is implementing a one-year project titled “The Strengthening youth-led SRMNCAH+N advocacy in Malawi project supported by Population Action International (PAI).
