Authorities have expressed concern over the increasing abuse of drugs and alcohol among the youth—particularly adolescent girls and young women—warning that the trend poses a serious threat to the future of the country.

Speaking in Blantyre, Regional Community Policing Coordinator for the Southern Region, Superintendent Memory Rangeni, attributed the rise in substance abuse to the influx of unregulated, cheap alcoholic beverages.

She said her department has intensified operations to address the issue.

Superintendent Rangeni made the remarks during an interface meeting organized by the Norwegian Church Aid and DanChurchAid Malawi Joint Country Program.

The event brought together journalists to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse among adolescent girls and young women.

In his remarks, Francis Botha, Communications Officer for the Norwegian Church Aid and DanChurchAid Malawi Joint Country Program, said the initiative is currently being implemented in traditional authorities Kapeni and Kuntaja in Blantyre District.

He explained that the program aims to protect adolescent girls and young women from the harms of alcohol and drug abuse.