In Malawi, Young people make up 65% of population (MDHS2015-16), although this can be seen as a comparative advantage since young people possess untapped skills, knowledge and energy, it is not a true reflection on the ground. Young people continue to face a lot of challenges due to economic situation, changing patterns in sexual behavior and unsupportive environment that limits them to realize their full potential. One of the contributing factor to young people’s woes is; poor access to SRHR services. Due to negative provider attitudes, long distances to YFHS access points coupled with long waiting times, and lack of confidentiality as some of the reasons why there’s low access to SRHR services among young people. The Youth Friendly Health Service strategy (2015-2020) indicates that only 31% have access to the information while 13% have access to the services, this is contributing to; increased teenage pregnancy, high mortality rate, more child marriages, and high HIV prevalence.
Over the past years, Youth Wave has been increasing emphasis on working with and for young people plus those living with HIV, in marginalized communities including the refugee camps Dzaleka in particular.
We have been generating the discussions around HIV,s exual and reproductive health and rights, mental health and gender equality which are still
inadequate. More broadly, there is a need to recognize that people have sexual and reproductive rights too; and acknowledging and protecting this is crucial to addressing HIV and AIDS.
