Abstain from sexual activities youths told

Youths should remain focused and stick to abstinence, YAZ Director has said.

This comes as young people in Zimbabwe  continue to face unprecedented challenges related to sexual and reproductive health,

Addressing Sexual and Reproductive Health Fun Fair and Advocacy Dialogue in Chitungwiza on Friday, Youths Advocacy Zimbabwe (YAZ) Director Tatenda Songore said with the funding and technical support from Bristol Myers- Squibb Foundation (BMSF), YAZ is  implementing a programme to create youth- friendly, protective and inclusive integrated SHR and HIV services for adolescences in Zimbabwe.

Songore said young Zimbabweans should stop the spreading of HIV.

“Our objective is to disseminate comprehensive SRH, HIV and life skills information.

“We want to facilitate effective uptake of SHR and HIV services amongst adolescents in Zimbabwe”, said Songore.

The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS,2014) reports that 17,9 of women aged 15-24 years were involved in sexual relationships with partners who were 10 years older.

According to the report the age mixing is critical especially as evidence shows that HIV prevalence among men increases with age and peaks at nearly 30%  among the 45- 49 years age group.

The YAZ Director added that five schools participated in the Fun Fair Dialogue and each school prepared a creative presentation on a single SHR issue of their choice.

He added the judges chose the top 3 based on knowledge and creativity as well as confidence.

“There is only one category (boys and girls combined) whilst prizes will be awarded to winning schools, with participants from the winning schools also getting gifts of appreciation for representing their schools”, YAZ director explained.

Schools that participated in the programme include Faith Learning Academy, Herentials College, Oasis college, Transparency college and Buyonce College.

Buyonce College won the fun fair dialogue seconded by Herentials and the third prize was Transparency College.

Guests from, Communities Against Drug And Substance Abuse (CADASA), Women affairs gender and community development, LESO, NAC and other supporting partners graced the event.