The National Planning Commission (NPC) has expressed concern over the rise in teenage pregnancies, child marriages, and high school dropouts, warning that these issues pose a significant threat to the achievement of the Malawi 2063 development agenda.

Andrew Jamali, NPC’s Head of Research and Capacity Building, made the remarks during a press briefing in Lilongwe on Monday.

The Commission, in partnership with the Ministry of Gender and International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS), unveiled plans to launch the Contraception, Teen Pregnancy, and School Dropout (CTS) Nexus tool on Thursday, aimed at addressing these issues.

Speaking to YFM, Jamali stressed the need for urgent and coordinated action to prevent further risks to future generations, emphasizing that teenage pregnancies and school dropouts are not only social problems but also significant economic challenges.

Christopher Kandionamaso, Health Assistant Advisor at IPAS, explained that the CTS Nexus tool is designed to provide a structured, evidence-based approach to these issues.