Introduction

In response to the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, YASD, in partnership with HeRLiberty, embarked on a project to engage communities and identify the barriers young people, particularly girls, face in accessing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services. This initiative spanned three months, from May to July 2020, and focused on three districts in Malawi: Lilongwe, Dowa, and Ntchisi. Through community engagement meetings and focus group discussions, the project provided a platform for youth and community leaders to address SRHR issues, fostering awareness and creating pathways for better service access.

Project Objectives

• Educate and empower adolescents and young girls with essential SRHR information to promote behavior change and reduce unintended pregnancies.
• Mobilize young people, including boys and girls, to access youth-friendly health services during the pandemic.
• Engage local leaders and influencers to support youth-led SRHR initiatives.

Key Lessons Learned

1. Limited SRHR Knowledge and Family Planning Awareness Many young people and community members demonstrated limited knowledge of SRHR, including family planning methods. While basic information on HIV/AIDS prevention was taught in schools, practical application and comprehensive understanding were lacking. Misinformation and negative attitudes toward family planning persist in some communities.

2. Challenges in Accessing Youth-Friendly Health Services (YFHS) Access to YFHS centers was found to be inadequate, particularly in Ntchisi. For example, youth in T/A Kalumo had no nearby facility offering SRHR services, with Chipokosa Youth Centre unable to meet this need. The district hospital was often the only option, discouraging many young people from seeking care. This limited access contributed to increased teenage pregnancies and the spread of STIs.

3. Role of Traditional Leaders and District Youth Officers Traditional leaders and district youth officers across the districts expressed their commitment to supporting youth programs. They showed a willingness to advocate for youth-friendly health services and help create environments that encourage youth participation in SRHR initiatives.

4. Youth Leadership and Advocacy Capacity A significant portion of trained youth leaders (85%) demonstrated strong potential in SRHR advocacy and information dissemination. These leaders effectively conducted community assessments, gathered data, and presented findings, showcasing their ability to influence positive change within and beyond their communities.

Successes of the Project

• Identification of gaps in youth access to SRHR services during the pandemic.
• Creation of a unique space where young people could openly discuss SRHR challenges in the presence of community leaders.
• Increased community awareness and education on SRHR services.
• Establishment of a platform for youth to voice their concerns and advocate for improved services through professional youth leaders and supportive stakeholders.

Recommendations

• Continue support from traditional leaders and district youth officers for youth-led SRHR awareness campaigns.
• Train more professional youth leaders to advocate for establishing YFHS in public health facilities.
• Encourage collaboration among young people and women in rural areas with community-based distribution agents (CBDA) to facilitate easier access to family planning commodities.

Conclusion The community engagement meetings highlighted the urgent need for collaborative efforts to enhance youth access to SRHR services. With the active involvement of traditional leaders, district officers, and professional youth leaders, progress can be made toward creating an environment that supports the health and well-being of young people, even amidst challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.