An assessment of youth’s understanding on sexual and reproductive health rights in traditional authority Malili in Lilongwe

Abstract

The study was conducted with an aim of assessing youth’s understanding on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights in Traditional Authority Malili in Lilongwe in Malawi. The study has used a descriptive research design mainly to describe the characteristics of the youth awareness on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights issues. Nevertheless, the study has found existing knowledge gaps on Family Planning, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Reproductive Sexual Autonomy. Additionally, the research discovered barriers that affect the demand and access of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among the youth. The study results strongly suggest that Malawi should not continue doing business as usual as far as Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights for youth is concerned. The study recommends addressing the disconnect between policy articulation and policy implementation; recruiting more health staff and creating more capacity building opportunities for SRH providers; creating more supportive environments in the homes for youth to dialogue with their parents on ASRH issues and creation of more safety avenues for the youth to express their sexuality such as youth groups and strengthen income generating activities for out of school youth and creating synergies among stakeholders to avoid retrogressive duplication in ASRHR programming.