Traditional ceremonies are a critical platform to raise awareness on health issues by engaging communities in a cultural-relevant and meaningful way. This is because traditional ceremonies can be used to promote holistic approaches to healthcare programs such as sexual reproductive health, including safe abortion care as there is a connection between the mind, body and spirit. These ceremonies help raise awareness about the importance of many health aspects such as SRHR, mental health, drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, role of traditional healing practices in health, among other health related issues.

In addition, tradition ceremonies often involve storytelling and sharing cultural knowledge. These stories and teachings can be used to raise awareness about health issues such as the importance of maintaining health lifestyle, accessing healthcare services, and seeking help when needed. Not forgetting the traditional feasts, and religious rituals – traditional ceremonies are opportunities to educate communities on topics such as disease prevention, and treatment options. During these feasts, collaborations with traditional and community leaders play a key role in raising awareness about healthcare issues within communities.

Against this backdrop, ZAGO participated in this year’s N’cwala ceremony of the Ngoni people of Eastern Province.

The N’cwala ceremony is one of the biggest traditional ceremonies in Zambia for the Ngoni people of Eastern Zambia. It is an annual ceremony that takes place during the last weekend of February. The ceremony brings together thousands of people from all walks of life – converging at Mutenguleni village, in paramount Chief Mpezeni to celebrate this important cultural heritage.

ZAGO’s participation at the N’cwala ceremony was aimed at raising awareness against the dangers of teenage pregnancy, unsafe abortion, and early marriages affecting the province. Teenage pregnancy is one of the biggest problems affecting the province, with close to 3000 cases reported in January 2024 alone.  Working hand-in-hand with the youth in the province, ZAGO was able to create a more inclusive and culturally responsive approach to healthcare and empowered both young and older participants to take ownership of their health and wellbeing.

The Association also supported activities on self-managed medical abortion involving one CAC provider (SMMA Eastern Provincial Coordinator), two community health volunteers and five youths to provide information and messages during the period of the ceremony. Activities included awareness against teenage pregnancy, early and/or forced marriages, and transmission of STIs among other healthcare problems. In addition, the team provided to the general public key information on safe abortion, (including self-managed abortion), and condom distribution and contraceptives. Provision of one on one counselling for women and girls in need of SMMA services, pregnancy testing, and medical abortion care services.

During the process, three women were provided with medical abortion at the clinic near to the ceremony main arena. This include a 16-year-old girl who is alleged to have been impregnated by her uncle.