The National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) has stepped up efforts to promote sexual and reproductive health among young people attending the Mulhako wa Alhomwe Cultural Festival at Chonde Cultural Village in Mulanje.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, NYCOM is offering sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information and services, as well as personal development talks, in partnership with Mulanje Youth Organization, Chiringa Youth Organization and Change for Us.

The initiative is aimed at giving young people access to health information, allowing them to ask questions and discuss issues affecting their wellbeing.

NYCOM has encouraged youths attending the festival to visit its booth to benefit from the services and participate in the discussions.

Thousands of people have gathered at Chonde since the festival began on Friday, with the annual celebrations expected to culminate on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Mulhako wa Alhomwe board chairperson Muchanakhwaye Mpuluka has welcomed growing public interest in Lhomwe culture, saying more people are showing a willingness to learn about the community’s traditions and beliefs.

“What is more interesting this year is that most people are actually asking questions about the Lhomwe culture and traditions, they want to understand our beliefs. This is very encouraging,” said Mpuluka.

He has also invited people to visit Chonde Cultural Village to experience Lhomwe traditions, urging those planning to attend Sunday’s main event to arrive early due to the large crowds expected.

Mulhako wa Alhomwe was established in 2007 by the late former president Bingu wa Mutharika to preserve and promote Lhomwe culture and traditions.

The annual festival attracts people from different parts of the country to celebrate their cultural heritage.