“STIs cases on the rise in the country”

There are growing fears that some youths in the country may continue recording worrisome cases of Sexually Transmitted Infections-STI’s in the absence of genuine comprehensive collaborative among stakeholders.

Theologian and Scholar Rev Cliff NyekaNyeka made the remarks yesterday at Crossroads hotel in Lilongwe during a one day workshop organized by Young Voices aimed at sensitizing the mass on issues of Public interest including sexual reproductive health.

He stated that religious Institutions in the country are a vital component in informing the mass on the issues to do with sexual reproductive health.

NyekaNyeka said that religious bodies must provide accurate and authentic information that will include true reflections of issues to do with sexual reproductive health including clearing false perceptions associated with abortion.

He further highlighted on the religious stance when it comes to abortion stating that all religious doctrines in the country condemn abortion but allows the practice when some exceptions have arisen for instance therapeutical reasons, eugenic reasons, rape, defilement and incest.

This comes after Members of Parliament in the National assembly have been discussing the proposed Termination of Pregnancy bill (TOP) which has attracted different views from people across the nation.

He brainstormed emerging issues affecting youth including unsafe abortion, unprotected sex, STI’s, drug and substance abuse, among others.

He attributed the situations are due to inadequate Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights provision among the youths.

He suggested the need to intensify sectoral engagements in the country to mitigate the challenges.

In his remarks, Dedza District Youth Network Chairperson Anthony Kadya pledged to engage fellow youths to be vigilant in accessing contraceptive methods from public and private health facilities in the district.