Dozens of youth and women from Chikwawa district were trained on how they can tackle Gender-Based Violence (GBV), thanks to a special initiative conducted last weekend by a local organization, Community Focus (COFO).
The initiative, which targeted communities from Pende area was offered by COFO in conjunction with the Chikwawa District Health Office.
COFO Executive Director Joshua Malunga said, apart from disseminating information on the dangers of GBV, the two entities also took time to administer specialised help to people suffering from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
Malunga said the organisation used sports as a means to mobilise the community and encourage them to seek specialised help.
“Indeed as COFO and Chikwawa DHO, we held this outreach initiative to among others help people who are residing in areas where it is very difficult to access help,” he said.
Malunga said through the innovative technique, dozens of youth and women received specialised help.
“We among others conducted HIV testing, STI screening, GBV screening and condom distribution,” said Malunga.
He said COFO and the Chikwawa DHO will continue using sports to mobilise people, saying the technique is also vital in promoting physical fitness among young people.
“By combining sports, education and health, we are scoring a major goal for GBV awareness, physical fitness as well as reduction of STIs among the youth,” Malunga added.
Chikwawa DHO team leader Felix Santu commended COFO for organising the outreach program, saying it has helped to reach people with vital messages about health.
“As a council, we have managed to treat people who will in turn contribute to the economic growth of the district,” said Santu.
