Malawi Pastors Take Action After Hearing Young People on Community Radio

When Apostle Emmanuel Malunga heard young people speaking openly on Mudzi Wathu Community Radio in Mchinji, Malawi about the obstacles they face in seeking sexual and reproductive health services, he felt called to act.

Malunga, who chairs the Pastors’ Fraternity in Mchinji District, was especially concerned by the misinformation described on the program. Young people spoke of persistent myths—such as the false belief that contraceptives can make someone permanently infertile—that can prevent them from seeking accurate information and services.

“Because of the radio program, we, as pastors, decided we could play a part in conducting awareness campaigns around this issue,” Malunga said.

Apostle Emmanuel Malunga meets with youth during a stop in one of three villages in Mchinji district in July. During the three events, Malunga and other pastors met with nearly 400 youth - urging them to seek information from their local health clinic about sexual and reproductive health issues.

That decision led to action in July. Pastors from four churches traveled to three villages, meeting with nearly 400 young people as well as community leaders. Their conversations focused on helping young people distinguish fact from misinformation, understand their sexual and reproductive health options, and know where to find reliable care.

Village Chief Tsabano welcomed the effort.

“I strongly believe that the messages being delivered by the pastors will bear fruit,” he said. “It will help reduce teenage pregnancies, child marriages, and the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, while encouraging young people to seek accurate information at the local health clinic.”

For Malunga, the July outreach was only a beginning. The Pastors’ Fraternity is now planning a larger campaign that will reach additional villages. Local health-care workers are expected to join the pastors, offering accurate information, distributing condoms and HIV self-test kits, and encouraging young people to visit their nearest health clinic for advice and services.

Senior Village Chief Kamwendo, who participated in the July meetings, said the first campaign had already strengthened local leaders’ ability to support their communities.

“This campaign has equipped us with important information that we will share with our communities,” he said, “so young people can get reliable and accurate sexual and reproductive health information.”