Thyolo has recorded a surge in abortion-related cases, with 938 women and girls accessing Post Abortion Care (PAC) services in public health facilities between January and December 2025.

Data from the Thyolo District Health Office shows that 521 of those who sought the services were youths aged between 10 and 24 years, a development that has raised concern among health authorities and stakeholders.

The figures were disclosed on Monday during a two-day training for community stakeholders from the area of Senior Chief Bvumbwe. 

The training was organised by the Women Rights Institute (WORI) to promote improved access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services and Post Abortion Care in order to reduce complications and deaths associated with unsafe abortions.

WORI District Representative Chisomo Phaiya said the trend of unsafe abortions among young people has prompted the organisation to roll out a two-year project in the district.

“The issues of unsafe abortions are really common in the country and Thyolo is not spared, so we want to contribute to increased access to Post Abortion Care and Sexual and Reproductive Health services and products among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Traditional Authority Bvumbwe,” said Phaiya.

She explained that the initiative, known as the Kalondolondo Project, seeks to improve access to essential health services for adolescent girls and young women while also empowering communities with information about reproductive health rights.

Phaiya further urged community leaders and stakeholders to take an active role in raising awareness about access to quality health services.

“Stakeholders must understand that they have a role to play in sensitising communities on the privileges and rights people have to access quality health care,” she added.

Meanwhile, community leaders in the area say stronger local measures are needed to address the growing problem.

Group Village Headman Tayali, together with Rezita Mukiwa from the Bvumbwe Girls Club, called for the formulation of bylaws to help curb unsafe abortions.

"We will call for meetings in our communities to sensitize our people on the subject matter. It is really sad and alarming that most young people are compromising their future with temporary gratification which leads to early and unwanted pregnancies," the two said.

The training brought together chiefs, community development structures, health workers, district council officials and members of the media.

WORI is implementing the two-year Sexual and Reproductive Health project with £40,000 funding from Amplify Change.