Masvingo students reportedly using freezit packs as protection against sexually transmitted diseases

S.exually active pupils in Masvingo are reportedly using freezit packets for protection as a substitute for c.ondoms.

This was heard during a Health Coordination Forum organised by the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC).

Masvingo last year recorded the highest number of STIs countrywide, prompting alarm from the health authorities.

“As youths, we have had a lot of training programmes on s.exual reproductive health. We however feel that it is high time this programme reaches out to pupils of ages 14 – 18 and these are basically school going ages. 

Our plight is from the discovery that most of us who are above 18 are able to make solid and bold decisions when it comes to s.ex as compared to those in the early teens. 

This I say because many would agree with me that most school going pupils are s.exually active and have been using uncertified ways as empty freezit plastics to protect themselves just because condoms are not made available in schools,” said a worried youth, Amos Jekere.

“The act that pupils use freezit plastics to substitute condoms itself shows that s.exual reproductive health messages are not being given to school children. Some may argue that its ignorance, but a burning question will again bounce back to responsible authorities that are they giving these pupils condoms so that they use proper protection when having s.exual intercourse,”.

Added another youth, Brighton Matura, “The only solution to this is having c.ondoms available in their toilets. This would make protection more available to them since their ages do not qualify them to enter bars for collection. 

They even fear collecting condoms from hospitals and clinics as the processes are usually associated with many threatening questions from nurses,”

Masvingo Provincial Education Director, Zedias Chitiga said it was worrisome that pupils show such lack of knowledge on s.exual reproductive health though he directed further questions on what his ministry is doing to rectify the challenge to the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Lazarus Dokora.

“I have no clue that such a thing is happening and directly affecting pupils of school going age. It is quite saddening. 

I recall the issue being tabled and debated before parliament and would advise that you await parliamentary resolution on the issue or directly get in touch with Dr Dokora on current development to the issue of having condoms available in schools,” Chitiga said.

Source-Online