Breadcrumb
![](/sites/default/files/styles/un_section_hero/theme/un_geneva_theme/images/banner.jpg?itok=30aauOz7)
FROM THE FIELD: Avoiding unintended pregnancies in cash-strapped Malawi
![](/sites/default/files/styles/full_column_width/public/2021-03/image1024x768_2177.jpg?itok=L3s05aaV)
![](https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Libraries/Production+Library/11-03-2021-UNFPA-Malawi-01.jpg/image560x340cropped.jpg)
In Disenti, a village in southern Malawi, mother of five Dorica Zuze is listening to health workers explain how to better protect herself from COVID-19. She is taking the virus seriously, but she’s also worried that her local health centre will no longer be able to provide family planning services.
Malawi has a weak health system, with a high number of patients for every doctor, and frequent drug shortages. The UN family planning agency, UNFPA, is helping to ensure that these services are maintained, implementing a six-year, $50 million programme focusing on young people in underserved rural communities.
Thanks to the programme, Ms. Zuze has been able to choose a contraceptive implant that will last three years. She, and many like her, can now focus on her future.
You can read the full story here.