Mutharika Describes Rising Teenage Pregnancies, HIV Infections as Wake-Up Call

First Lady has described the increasing cases of teenage pregnancies and HIV infections among adolescents as a wake-up call, urging stakeholders to intensify efforts in protecting young people.

Mutharika made the remarks in Mzuzu during the launch of the Youth Dialogue on Sexual Reproductive Health Services and Rights (SRHSR) and Youth Friendly Health Services project under the .

“This is a wake-up call for us. We must scale up interventions that provide universal access to sexual and reproductive health services,” said Mutharika.

She observed that many young people are struggling with challenges such as peer pressure, unemployment and lack of parental guidance, factors she said are contributing to early marriages, teenage pregnancies and rising HIV infections.

The First Lady further called on parents, traditional and religious leaders to play a more active role in mentoring and guiding the youth.

“Education is the only shield that will never fail you,” she said, while encouraging young people to remain in school and avoid early sexual activities.

Mutharika also urged youths to speak openly about issues affecting them, saying dialogue is key to finding lasting solutions to challenges facing young people.

Meanwhile, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture said government remains committed to supporting programmes aimed at improving the wellbeing of young people.

“Youths are our future leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes and artists,” said Gangata. “Their potential can only be realised if they are provided with the right information and services.”

Gangata added that empowering young people with knowledge and access to services would help them stay in school, achieve their ambitions and contribute meaningfully to national development.