Abwenzi A Ana: Assessing Individual and Social Factors Influencing Adolescent Access to ASRHR Services in Ntcheu – Qualitative Study Report (Malawi, 2025)

Abwenzi A Ana (AAA) is a 10-year program implemented by Save the Children in partnership with Youth for Development and Productivity (YODEP), Rays of Hope Ministries (RAHOM), and Future4All in Ntcheu district. The program aims to protect girls most affected by inequalities and discrimination from sexual violence and exploitation, working in four Traditional Authorities (TAs) Makwangwala, Kwataine, Njolomole, and Champiti.

The program supports adolescent boys and girls to access ASRH services as part of its efforts in contributing to the prevention of early marriage and pregnancy and enhancing the overall well-being of adolescents. These efforts complement other initiatives offered by the project in protecting children from all forms of exploitation and abuse, giving them a better chance of completing their education.

Despite these efforts, access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services among adolescents in the project impact area remained low, with a contraceptive prevalence rate of only 5% and SRH knowledge levels at 23% (AAA Annual Survey, 2023). Previous studies demonstrated that barriers such as limited awareness, stigma, cultural norms, and logistical challenges hindered service uptake (UNFPA, 2022; WHO, 2021).

This qualitative study sought to examine the individual and social factors influencing adolescents’ access to SRH and rights services in Ntcheu. The findings will provide insights into barriers and enablers of service use, complementing the program’s annual quantitative survey. These insights will inform targeted program adjustments, ensuring the intervention remains aligned with adolescents’ needs and realities in the district.