The Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare says it is optimistic that challenges that the youth are facing in the country including access to sexual and reproductive health services will come to an end.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry Isaac Katopola made the remarks during the opening of the two day Multi-sectoral Youth Thematic Meeting which is currently underway in Mangochi.

Speaking to YFM Katopola said the meeting provides a platform where youth can voice out the challenges that they are facing and provide solutions to the same.

He further said, the meeting will help in developing strategies and policies that will effectively respond to young people’s needs and contribute to their development.

Katopola said: “I am happy that after a long time we managed to bring various stakeholders from the government as well as youth organization to discuss issues that relate to the youth in terms on how we should shape program and policies that go to the youth.”

The meeting has brought together people from various sectors including the ministry of health, ministry of education, national youth council of Malawi, the donor community and youth representatives among others.