Zambia: Mkushi Town Council in collaboration with the District HIV and AIDS Committee have increased their efforts to distribute condoms within the community, The aim of the initiative is to promote safe and healthy sexual practices within the communities.
The administration of the district has been working hard to sensitize the people to protect themselves from unsafe sex practices and diseases like HIV and AIDS. According to the town council, the programme aims at reducing new HIV infections, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies.
The administration has been organizing awareness initiatives to spread awareness regarding prevention of HIV/AIDS. District HIV and AIDS Coordinator, Thelma Kapembwa believes that scaling up the use of condoms will contribute significantly to reducing stigma associated with condom use.
Kapambwa said this applies to sexually active individuals and those at risk of HIV, STIs, as well as pregnancy. She disclosed that over 15,000 free condoms are being distributed per quarter for the year 2024.
Kapembwa explained that condom dispensers have been installed in various hotspots across the district to increase demand for the commodity.
She observed that many young people in Mkushi, especially those between 15- 24 years engage themselves in illicit sex. Accordingly, it is very important for them to take appropriate precautions to prevent pregnancy or the spread of HIV and other STIs.
Thelma Kapembwa noted that sexual abstinence is the best remedy for preventing HIV, STIs and pregnancy but condom use should also be encouraged for those who cannot abstain.
“When we distribute the condoms, it doesn’t mean we are encouraging people to indulge in sexual activities, but to reduce the risk of HIV infections, STIs, and unintended pregnancies in our district,” she said.
Furthermore, Kapembwa urged residents of Mkushi not to endanger their lives by engaging themselves in risky sexual behaviour.
She reiterated that people can get tested for free at any health facility in the district so that they know their HIV status.
Thelma Kapembwa said her office is on the ground to educate the general public on HIV and AIDS.