Zomba youth warned against unsafe abortion

Zomba youth have been warned against unsafe abortion amid concerns that the practice could leave them facing serious health consequences.

Deputy Youth Coordinator at the Zomba District Health Office, Ellen Manda, said unsafe abortion can lead to serious complications, including fistula, damage to the uterus and, in severe cases, death.

Manda, who is also a nurse at Likangala Health Centre, said the practice can result in excessive blood loss and other injuries.

She further warned that some complications may affect a person’s ability to have children in the future.

“Unsafe abortion is very dangerous because it can lead to death or cause fistula,” she said.

Manda made the remarks in the area of Group Village Head Chopi under Senior Chief Malemia in Zomba during a meeting where Her Liberty, in collaboration with Girls Activist Youth Organization (GAYO), engaged young people on the dangers of unsafe abortion.

She encouraged young people experiencing health problems to seek medical attention and receive appropriate health counselling.

Manda also commended Her Liberty and GAYO for implementing a project that takes information on unsafe abortion and other health issues to young people in rural communities.

Her Liberty, in collaboration with GAYO, is implementing the Enhancing the Reproductive Outcomes of Women and Girls project with support from Amplify Change.

Meanwhile, senior official at the Zomba District Youth Office, Enock Chabwera, said young people need access to accurate information about unsafe abortion to help protect their lives.

Project Officer for Her Liberty, Kettie Mikwala, advised young people experiencing health problems to visit health facilities, where they can receive medical assistance free of charge.

Mikwala also urged young people to avoid unsafe abortion, saying it can result in loss of life or damage to the uterus.

Vice Secretary for Youth in the area of Senior Chief Malemia, Alinafe Rashid, thanked Her Liberty and GAYO for bringing information about unsafe abortion to young people in the area.

Rashid said access to accurate information was important because some young people make decisions simply because they lack adequate knowledge about the consequences.