Teach Condom Sense

It has become a widespread belief that universities and colleges have become a major source of spreading new HIV infections, negatively affecting the reduction of HIV prevalence and reducing the country’s hopes of completely eliminating AIDS. New HIV infections are various AIDS related opportunistic diseases which both HIV affected and non affected people acquire during sex without using protection.

Last year, the media was awash with stories on how morning after pills had become scarce in Bulawayo - a phenomenon attributed to the rise in demand on the part of female college and university students. In November, over 7 000 sexually transmitted infection (STI)cases were reported in the Midlands Province between July and September of 2013. The article attracted comments such as “What is the Midland State University doing to the country?”

This has partly confirmed how young women seemed to be more scared of falling pregnant than contracting HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. It was reported the shortage of morning after pills pointed to a pattern of engaging in sexually risky behaviour and more alarmingly to young women who might graduate with flying colours in all sorts of sexually transmitted infections.  

It is unfortunate that when young people go to university and college they would be at zero but when they come out the prevalence rate is high. This means the infection is happening during the university period. There is a need to protect the young from HIV. The reason for a high prevalence rate in tertiary institutions could be caused by the fact that young people “free” from parental supervision. Most learn away from home where there is no one to enforce rules or safety measures.

Pupils and students must be informed about how to use condoms at a tender age.

Well, I feel that  the high prevelance rate in tertiary institutions is an indication of how the country is failing to manage the transition period as this situation transcended to new infections which are meant to be eliminated in wiping out AIDS. But there is need for concerted efforts and vigorous strategies outlined to educate and inform the young with the necessary information and services.

Many young people have a low perception of risk when it comes to HIV and STIs-they seem to think that contracting HIV is something that will happen to “someone else’’ but never to them.

Sex education starts at the basic level. It is a must that people including school going children to know about sex education. But at times it’s bad to talk about something until it becomes like a church song.