OXFAM Malawi recently launched a project aimed at improving Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) among vulnerable communities in Malawi.The official launch of the Comprehensive Health Options through Innovative Community Engagement (CHOICE) Project took place on 24th April 2026 at Sinthano Ground in Traditional Authority Kalembo in Balaka district.
The event brought together Government officials, Development Partners, Civil Society Organizations, traditional leaders, and community members.
It was presided over by the Secretary for Health and Sanitation, Dr. Dan Namarika. Also present were Chairperson for the Parliamentary Women Caucus, Honourable Mary Maulidi Khembo, and National AIDS Commission Chief Executive Officer Dr. Beatrice Matanje.
Speaking as a guest of honor, Dr. Dan Namarika applauded OXFAM for the project and encouraged communities to actively participate in its implementation for the realization of sexual and reproductive health and rights by all including those experiencing poverty and the marginalized such as women, adolescent girls and persons of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
He further pleaded with the communities to motivate children especially girls to complete their secondary school level, taking advantage of the newly introduced free- secondary school education introduced by the Government of Malawi.
In her sentiments, Chairperson for the Parliamentary Women Caucus Honorable Mary Maulidi Khembo said the Women caucus is committed to ensure that women and girls have access to quality education and health services. As such she said, the Parliamentary Women Caucus will collaborate with OXFAM in the implementation of the project to achieve its intended purpose.
Meanwhile, National AIDS Commission has pledged to provide technical support throughout the implementation period in both Lilongwe and Balaka districts where the project will be implemented.
The project will be implemented by the CHOICE Consortium, which includes OXFAM, FPAM, Village Reach, CAVWOC, Point of Progress, and Partners for Reproductive Justice.
During the event, the guest of honor and other invited people toured pavilions exhibited by consortium partners and various performances such as poems, dances, and the event was spiced up by comedy performances promoting SRHR awareness.
Further, Oxfam distributed bicycles to the project’s peer educators and signed an agreement with all key stakeholders to strengthen sexual and reproductive health and rights, during the event.
Contributed by Getrude Nsini