Youth take lead in HIV/AIDS awareness drive

MONSTERLUS – Young people in Monsterlus continue to take the forefront in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies.

The youth, together with those from surrounding areas, have embarked on male and female condoms’ distribution initiative.

They distribute the condoms to local businesses, hawkers, taxi ranks and homes to create awareness on issues related to unsafe sex, especially to their peers.

Johannes Marumo, one of the organizers, said the drive started last year when they realized that people are shy to ask for the preventative items when they need them.

Marumo indicated that they unearth a lot of myths surrounding the usage of condoms among community members as they distribute.

“We hear a lot of unfounded stories in this mission. Some say the condoms cause rush on their private parts. What we do is try to share relevant information with the recipients to quell those myths in the promotion of safe sex,” explained Marumo.

He pointed out that teenage pregnancy remains a serious problem in their area and they believe that through proper usage of condoms, the situation can be addressed.

“There is a serious need for community leaders, the health sector and other stakeholders to reach out to young people and provide correct information about condoms and strengthen awareness on HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases. We cannot just sit back and watch while people continue to be exposed to diseases due to lack of information. Through coming together, we can win the fight. We want to make sure that the condoms are easily accessible to everyone, they should not only be found at clinics because some of the communities don’t have clinics,” concluded Marumo.