Statistics from the Ntcheu District Health Office show that teenage pregnancies have reduced from approximately 15,000 in 2021 to 11,000 in 2023.

The District's Director of Health and Social Services, Dr. Innocent Munthali, announced this during a N’zatonse Phase V monitoring visit to Gwazamnyoni village in the area of Inkosi Ganya.

Dr. Munthali attributed this decrease to interventions by a consortium of PSI, FPAM, and the Catholic Health Commission (CHC), which have provided sexual reproductive health services and information to youths under the N’zatonse project.

“The role of gatekeepers like chiefs and religious leaders has also been key in the reduction of the numbers recorded in all the district’s 40 health facilities,” he said.

Dr. Munthali expressed confidence that the figures will continue to drop due to various youth-friendly interventions by stakeholders.

Secretary for Health, Dr. Samson Mndolo, highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts from stakeholders.

“In our daily work, we need to step up our efforts to contribute to the 2030 target. It is not only for the Ministry of Health but a multi-sectoral approach,” he stated.

The German Cooperation through the KfW-funded N’zatonse Phase V project seeks to increase access to quality sexual and reproductive health services and information, thereby supporting service delivery and demand creation.