Herbert Chikosi
Heather
Buzuzi
Buzuzi
The Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC)
has lamented what it called a worrying trend among young people who seem to
prefer emergency contraception to condoms.
has lamented what it called a worrying trend among young people who seem to
prefer emergency contraception to condoms.
Speaking during an interview with TellZim News this
week, ZNFPC provincial marketing officer Herbert Chikosi said it was
unfortunate that many young people were shunning condoms and having unprotected
sex.
week, ZNFPC provincial marketing officer Herbert Chikosi said it was
unfortunate that many young people were shunning condoms and having unprotected
sex.
He said the
youth seemed to be more worried with preventing unwanted pregnancies than
preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
youth seemed to be more worried with preventing unwanted pregnancies than
preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
“Emergency contraceptives can help us win that one
battle but cannot help us win the war against STIs particularly HIV. We
encourage young people to be responsible enough and use condoms rather than
rely on emergency contraception,” said Chikosi.
battle but cannot help us win the war against STIs particularly HIV. We
encourage young people to be responsible enough and use condoms rather than
rely on emergency contraception,” said Chikosi.
He said as part of broader efforts to fight new HIV infections
and other STIs as well as prevent unwanted pregnancies, ZNFPC was extending
condom distribution to all critical places.
and other STIs as well as prevent unwanted pregnancies, ZNFPC was extending
condom distribution to all critical places.
“Our condom
champions are doing a good job distributing the contraceptive at hospitals,
bottle stores and other key areas. We aim to see a society where people are
conscious about their health and are aware of the appropriate contraceptive
options available to them,” said Chikosi.
champions are doing a good job distributing the contraceptive at hospitals,
bottle stores and other key areas. We aim to see a society where people are
conscious about their health and are aware of the appropriate contraceptive
options available to them,” said Chikosi.
Chikosi said ZNFPC distributes an average of between
six and seven million condoms quarterly and it has increased per capita condom availability
from eight to 12 among sexually active individuals.
six and seven million condoms quarterly and it has increased per capita condom availability
from eight to 12 among sexually active individuals.
