Online course for young people helps fight HIV -Newsday Zimbabwe
File Photo: HIV
YOUTH Advocacy Zimbabwe has set up an online program to educate young people on sexual and reproductive health (SRHR) rights issues and HIV/AIDS following the increase in teenage pregnancies.
Youth Advocacy Zimbabwe Ambassador Givemore Bepura told NewsDay yesterday that they have developed an online application to train young people on issues of SRHR, HIV and COVID-19.
Through the online course, thousands of young people have graduated and are spreading information about SRHR.
Last Friday, Youth Advocacy Zimbabwe organized a campaign at Glen View 1 High School in Harare against drugs and drug addiction.
“We encouraged students at the school to be open about issues of SRHR, sexuality and feminism,” Bepura said.
Young people who participated in the program initially said they were afraid to talk about sexual and reproductive health issues.
One of the participants, Nozipo Lerato Maguta (14) said, “After the training, I am now confident to discuss SRHR issues, listen to others and make the right decisions.”
Young people who spoke to NewsDay said drugs seriously affect society, hence the need to advocate for young people.
“We have now realized that the reckless actions of young people have serious consequences,” said another participant, Ruvimbo Chidakwa.
Youth Advocates Zimbabwe has also launched another online course to influence positive social behavior change among young people in partnership with Unicef to effectively address substance abuse and adolescent sexual and reproductive health issues.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the country has seen an increase in teenage pregnancies and drug abuse cases.
