Number of youths being diagnosed with Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) continues to rise in Kasungu district, with authorities citing limited partnerships in Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) programming as a major challenge.

Speaking to Zodiak, SRH Youth Friendly Coordinator for Kasungu, Esnai Zimba, said although youth-friendly SRH services are available in most parts of the district, accessibility remains a challenge, especially in rural areas. 

She noted that the trend this year remains similar to that of last year.

Zimba says many youths in rural areas delay seeking treatment at nearby health facilities due to shame and stigma, instead opting to report to the district hospital when infections have already advanced.

However, she added that some interventions, including campaigns and outreach programmes targeting areas with high numbers of sexually active youths, such as schools, are often constrained by government policies.

“We appeal to the government to revise policies that are hindering us from providing SRH services in schools, as this is contributing to the rising trend, considering that many sexually active youths are found there,” she said.

Meanwhile, District Youth Officer for Kasungu, James Mathiya, described the situation as worrying and urged young people, regarded as future leaders, to avoid risky sexual behaviour and use protective measures.

“Together with health authorities, we will next week embark on a district-wide sensitisation campaign to advocate for SRH services among youths. We hope this will help address the situation,” he said.

Mathiya further appealed to all stakeholders in the district to support advocacy and the provision of SRH services to youths, citing limited partnerships in SRH programming, which he said are overwhelming government efforts to contain the trend.

A total of 6,937 young people were diagnosed with STIs in the district last year. Currently, Partners In Health (PIH) and Banja La Mtsogolo (BLM) are the only organisations supporting government efforts in providing SRH services to youths in the district.