Tag Archives: unsafe abortions

Health

Machinga Sees Alarming Rise in Unsafe Abortions

Maravi Post Reporter

By Jones Gadama

Machinga, Malawi – Health authorities in Machinga have raised concerns over a surge in unsafe abortions, attributing the trend to widespread misinformation and stigma surrounding contraceptive use.

As of 2025, Machinga District Hospital has recorded 350 cases, with 231 reported at the main hospital and 40 at Nyambi Health Centre, the highest among rural facilities.

According to Jacqueline Kaminyu, Post-Abortion Care Programmes Coordinator, deeply ingrained cultural and religious beliefs are deterring women and girls from accessing contraceptives, resulting in unplanned pregnancies and subsequent unsafe abortions.

This worrisome situation has prompted Traditional Authority Sale to take decisive action, with local chiefs creating bylaws and conducting awareness campaigns in their communities to combat the issue.

In a bid to address the crisis, Isaac Salimu from the Centre for Youth Empowerment and Community Engagement (CYECE) revealed that his organization, backed by Amplify Change, is collaborating with religious leaders, youth, and other stakeholders to promote awareness about Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR).

This initiative aims to bridge the knowledge gap and encourage responsible behavior among the populace.

The restrictive abortion laws in Malawi, which only permit termination of pregnancy to save a woman’s life, have led many women and girls to resort to clandestine procedures, often resulting in severe complications and even death.

Unsafe abortion accounts for 18% of maternal deaths in Malawi, with the health system treating high numbers of women with complications from unsafe abortions.

Local leaders and health experts are calling for increased awareness and accessibility of SRHR information, emphasizing the need to challenge harmful cultural and religious norms that hinder progress.

By working together, they hope to reduce the incidence of unplanned pregnancies and unsafe abortions, ultimately saving lives and promoting a healthier community.

Human Rights

Malawi sexual reproductive health rights alliance launches project to combat teenage pregnancies and unsafe abortions

Maravi Post Reporter

By Jones Gadama

The Malawi Sexual Reproductive Health Rights Alliance has rolled out a project aimed at combating teenage pregnancies and unsafe abortions in Machinga District.

This initiative was announced during a multi-stakeholder meeting focused on building a movement for women’s rights in the district.

The project seeks to address the pressing issues of teenage pregnancies and unsafe abortions, which have become a significant concern in the region.

Youth Coordinator of the Malawi Sexual Reproductive Health Rights Alliance, Getrude Kapyepye, emphasized the need for collaboration between local chiefs, healthcare workers, and NGOs to improve reproductive health and rights.

Kapyepye highlighted that a collective effort is essential in tackling the challenges faced by young people in accessing reproductive health information and services.

Traditional Authority Sale acknowledged that teenage pregnancies and unsafe abortions pose a serious concern in the district.

He attributed this issue to misinformation about reproductive health and rights, which can have severe consequences on the health and well-being of young people.

The traditional leader’s acknowledgment of the problem is a significant step towards addressing the issue and finding solutions.

The project aims to provide accurate information and education on reproductive health and rights to young people, as well as improve access to healthcare services.

By working together, the Malawi Sexual Reproductive Health Rights Alliance, local chiefs, healthcare workers, and NGOs hope to reduce the number of teenage pregnancies and unsafe abortions in Machinga District.

The multi-stakeholder meeting provided a platform for various stakeholders to discuss the challenges faced by young people in accessing reproductive health information and services.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of collaboration and collective action in addressing these challenges.

The Malawi Sexual Reproductive Health Rights Alliance is committed to promoting reproductive health and rights, particularly among young people.

The organization recognizes that access to accurate information and education is essential in empowering young people to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

The project in Machinga District is part of a broader effort to promote reproductive health and rights across Malawi.

The country has made significant progress in recent years, but there is still much work to be done to ensure that all individuals have access to the information and services they need to make informed decisions about their health.

The launch of this project is a significant step towards addressing the issues of teenage pregnancies and unsafe abortions in Machinga District.

By working together, stakeholders can make a positive impact on the lives of young people and promote a healthier and more informed community.

The Malawi Sexual Reproductive Health Rights Alliance’s project to combat teenage pregnancies and unsafe abortions in Machinga District is a vital initiative that requires collective action and collaboration.

By providing accurate information and education on reproductive health and rights, improving access to healthcare services, and promoting a culture of informed decision-making, stakeholders can work towards reducing the number of teenage pregnancies and unsafe abortions in the district.