Bulawayo debates condom distribution in schools


  1. Nigel Mabiza, Zicora Mobile Network Reporter in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
    Condom distribution in school institutions might result in the etching and conflict of some of the cultural landmarks that have taken years to be both established and nurtured.
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    With the increase of the spread of both HIV AIDS and teenage pregnancy in schools; speculation and ideas have been deliberated on by many youth organizations and the AIDS Councils on whether condom distribution accompanied by workshops on their use and their dangers will be helpful in schools.

    This comes amid the escalating numbers of teenage pregnancy in schools which is an eye opener to many of these organizations as they have realized that there are many barriers that restrain the youths from safe sex. Which include Religion; Culture and peer pressure ideologies.

    Despite many of the scholars and parents frowning upon the method labeling it as a placebo and acid to the culture it still remains as the top prioritized method of control. Religious sectors which include the founders of mission schools rejected the proposal reiterating that they have founded the schools based on the scripture which in all angles shuns sexual morality.

    Mr Mhlope the councilor for ward 5 said condoms will be a license for what they consider abominations. Many of the activists said these organizations and schools which condone such methods should leave room for choice as they is a great slackness in the schools on sexual education and preventative measures. Junior Parliamentarian minister of health Honorable Tsitsidzashe Goto said from the interior eye she sees the method as none effective and will cause more harm than good.

    As there is still the wait for the bill to be passed by the ministry debates and other methods of diagnosis are still being sought to buffer arguments from both ends and probably reach a compromise on the distribution. This comes amidst the revelation of Zimbabwe being amongst the countries with the highest ratios of AIDS infections in Southern Africa. Trials of of ways that work to reduce the ratios of those infected and teenage pregnancy will be welcomed with open arms.