Brian Vuyolwethu Mandati
THERE is a low record uptake of free condoms by sexually active adolescents in Nkayi, in what the Nkayi Young People’s Network (NYPN) says is a result the on-going Covid-19 restrictions that have curtailed movement.
NYPN, is an organisation that advocates for safe sex practices among the youth in the district.
The organisation’s chairperson Nkosilathi Mowa said they are alarmed at the sudden behaviour change pattern as fewer young people are visiting their offices to get free condoms and HIV self-test kits.
Speaking to The Zambezi Times, Mowa said Covid-19 restrictions are the causes of this development.
“Sexually active young people are avoiding public places which used to be the point of contact,” he said.
“Numbers of those who seek condoms are declining, however we are still distributing. The challenge is that there is less access to hospitals and other hot-spot areas such as bars and beer halls.
“I have resorted to make use of the few open facilities to distribute, these include garages and local heavyweight industries like The Pride of Africa, popularly known as ko Joubert,” he said.
Mowa said NYPN works closely with Male Champion campaigns and organisations under the National AIDS Council and Padare/ Enkundleni.
He said he gets some of the equipment that he distributes from the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
“NYPN is also helping in the fight against Coronavirus by issuing awareness broadcasts around Nkayi Growth-Point.
“Our message to the youth is for them to practice social distancing and to only engage in sexual activities when they have full protection.”
