Kimberly Kusauka
A number of
students defaulted on their Antiretroviral (ARV) treatment during the initial
phases of the Covid-19 induced national lockdown as access to health services
was much more difficult than before, it has been heard.
Speaking on a workshop organised by the Zimbabwe
National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) a presenter from one of the local
colleges said there were many cases of students defaulting on their HIV
treatment since they could not get to their service providers easily.
“Some of our students who take ARV drugs
defaulted their treatment due to restrictions in movement during lockdown,”
said the presenter.
Other representatives said access to contraceptives
for students during the lockdown also seemed to be a challenge judging by the
number of students who came back to school pregnant.
“Students raised concerns saying that
they could not get access to contraceptives during the lockdown. It seems they
have easier access to such services when at school than when at home,” said the
other rep.
The presenters said the distribution of condoms in
hostels and toilets was critical in preventing pregnancy and the spread of Sexually
Transmitted Diseases (STIs) to college students.
Such services, however, are harder to come by for
students at home since most of them do not want to be known that they are
engaging in sexual activities.
They also urged female students to make use of
different reproductive health facilities provided at the Youth Friendly
Facility at every clinic.
Of concern was the menstrual health management issue
presented by the ZNFPC Acting Provincial Manager Herbert Chikosi who
highlighted the common challenges faced by females during menstruation.
“Girls face harassment especially in schools
when they miss lessons during their menstruation and are even given nicknames.
That amounts to harassment which must be fought as it has a negative bearing on
the girl child’s self-esteem,” said Chikosi.
Participants agreed that it was important to develop
online Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) education in light of the Covid-19
induced new normal and the restrictive physical conduct involved.
“We are continuously giving students lectures
on SRH using face to face lectures and also online means so as to keep students
informed,” said another participant.
Institutions who attended the workshop included
ZNPFC, Plan International, MyAge Zimbabwe Trust, Ministry of Primary and
Secondary Education, Masvingo Polytechnic, Masvingo Teachers’ College and
Zvandiri AfricAid.
