Online Reporter
Nomalisa Gumpo and Patience Ndlovu
Young people in high-density suburbs in Bulawayo, on Thursday, received free family planning and sexual reproductive health (SRH) services aimed at encouraging early detection of health risks, improving access to vital information, and promoting behavioural change.
During the outreach that was held at Thabiso Youth Centre in Makokoba, several young people said the programme had made accessing healthcare much easier for them. Many said distance and stigma discouraged them from visiting clinics, but having services within their own community made it easier.
“It’s not every day services come to us. At clinics, we fear being judged, but here it’s easier,” said Freeman Moyo, one of the participants.
Other youths said the outreach gave them confidence to face their realities.
“We see many engaging in unprotected sex; it has become normal here. People fear going to clinics to get tested or condoms because usually, if you are a teenager and want such services, you get judged,” said Siyabonga Tshabangu.
“At clinics, people gossip about you, and it’s discouraging to walk the whole way to Mzilikazi Clinic just to get tested,” said Vitalis Chibhadhi.
Parents also welcomed the initiative. Mrs Sibusisiwe Tshuma, who accompanied her daughter, said young people are now quick to engage in sexual activities even if warned of the consequences.
“Children no longer take teachings seriously. Once you try to warn them, or even when taught by these organisations, they still go against the teachings and fall pregnant,” she said.
She said that family planning was bringing peace of mind to parents, because they know their children, even if they engage in sexual activities, will not fall pregnant.
“It’s no longer surprising to see a 16-year-old pregnant. We have normalised it as a community, because we see it every day,” said another parent, Ms Thembiso Tasara.
The outreach was conducted under Plan International’s My Body, My Future programme, which brought services such as HIV testing, counselling, contraceptives, and education sessions closer to communities where health facilities are either far or often associated with stigma.
Plan International programme’s director Mrs Nomzamo Ncube said the programme is trying to balance between encouraging youths to abstain while also being open-minded to the fact that many have already started engaging in sexual activities.
“We are targeting youths because they often shy away from clinics when seeking sexually related information and services,” she said.
The outreach is targeting youths aged 18 to 24, went to Pumula, Cowdray Park and Makokoba this week realising the high population of youths in these suburbs, where many are reportedly involved in substance abuse that often leads to unprotected sex.
“Our goal is to help them make informed choices. Turnout has been good, and I urge them to keep accessing SRH services because at the end of the day, one condom, one round,” Mrs Ncube said.
