Women Rights Institute (WORI) has emphasized the critical role the media plays in advocating for sexual and reproductive health services (SRHS) for adolescent girls, young women and youths in the country.

Thyolo District WORI Representative, Chisomo Phaiya, said informed media reporting is key to the success of the organisation’s interventions. 

“The media plays a very important role in ensuring that correct and accurate information on sexual and reproductive health services reaches the people, especially adolescent girls and young women,” said Phaiya.

She made the remarks on Friday when WORI presented its two-year Kalondolondo Project to the Thyolo District Executive Committee. 

Phaiya said the £40 million project, funded by Amplified Change, requires collaboration among all health stakeholders to achieve its objectives.

She added“This project can only succeed if all players in the health sector work together,” she added.

District Information Officer for Thyolo, Yamikani Yapuwa, described WORI’s engagement with the media as a strategic move. 

“By engaging the media, WORI is recognising it as a critical partner in promoting accurate, timely and simplified SRHS information to the public, including hard-to-reach communities,” said Yapuwa.

Meanwhile, District Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Chikondi Naison, said the district hospital will ensure a supportive environment for adolescents and young women. 

“We will create special and friendly spaces so that girls and young women can easily access these services without fear or barriers,” said Naison.