13/02/2026
𝒀𝑨𝑷 𝑹𝑬𝑭𝑳𝑬𝑪𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵 𝑶𝑵 𝑫𝑯𝑺 𝑹𝑬𝑷𝑶𝑹𝑻
The latest findings from the Malawi Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS) 2024 paint a sobering picture of the realities facing young people in our communities. Teenage pregnancies have risen from 29% in 2016 to 32% in 2024, with one in three girls aged 15–19 already experiencing pregnancy. Behind these numbers are lives disrupted, dreams deferred, and futures compromised.
While we acknowledge the commendable progress in reducing maternal mortality—nearly halved in less than a decade—this achievement cannot overshadow the urgent crisis of teenage pregnancies. In 2025 alone, one district recorded over 10,000 teenage pregnancies, alongside hundreds of unsafe abortion cases. These figures are not just statistics; they represent the daily struggles of our sisters, daughters, and peers in Waya Village and across Malawi.
As Youth for Active Participation, we believe the solution lies in investing in modern contraceptives and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education. Access to safe, affordable, and youth-friendly contraceptive services empowers young people to make informed choices, protect their health, and pursue education without interruption. Modern contraceptives are not merely a health intervention—they are a tool for social justice, gender equality, and economic empowerment.
We call upon government leaders, development partners, and community stakeholders to:
- Prioritize funding for modern contraceptives in both rural and urban health facilities.
- Expand youth-friendly health services that respect confidentiality and dignity.
- Integrate comprehensive sexuality education into schools and community programs.
- Engage young people in designing and implementing solutions that directly affect their lives.
Health is not just an expenditure—it is an investment in Malawi’s future. By ensuring that every young person has access to modern contraceptives, we can break the cycle of teenage pregnancies, reduce unsafe abortions, and unlock the potential of our youth to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The time to act is now. Our generation cannot afford to be silenced by preventable challenges. We demand bold leadership, sustained investment, and collective responsibility to safeguard the health and dignity of Malawi’s youth.