By Ann Zulu
THE illicit sex being
perpetuated by youths in Lusaka is worrying and detrimental to the fight
against HIV/AIDS, says a senior citizen Robby Mwale.
Mr. Mwale said he was
concerned about the escalating immoral activities by young people and their
patronising of and night clubs for alcohol.
“The way our young people are conducting
themselves and their frequenting of bars in Lusaka is very worrying, youths are
indulging in sexual activities without even caring about their future and
health,
“If you go to
Kabwata, it’s young people between the age group 17-26 years who are occupying
most of the bars and night clubs. Eventually they end up having unprotected sex
and increase the spread of HIV,” said Mr. Mwale.
He challenged young
people not only in Lusaka, but Zambia as a whole to embrace behaviour change,
as part of the nation’s efforts to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
He charged that that
discipline and behaviour change by young people were key in defeating HIV/AIDS
in Zambia.
“Youths should
concentrate on positive behaviour, this will reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS and
other potential social ills in our country,” he said.
He observed that the
fight against HIV/AIDS could only be combatted if youths started to develop
positive minds towards their future and careers rather than concentrating on
activities that would endorse the disease.
However, Mr. Mwale
attributed the bad trend being exhibited by youths to lack of moral and
spiritual guidance from both parents and other concerned stakeholders in their
upbringing.
He appealed for
concerted efforts from various stakeholders to mentor the young people on how
to focus on their dreams instead of engaging in illicit sex and alcohol abuse
which could lead to the spread of HIV and AIDS.
“Everyone needs to
get involved in saving the current generation from HIV/AIDS, especially the parents.
They need to guide their children and educate them on the dangers of HIV,” said
Mr. Mwale.
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