Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
YOUNG people in Manicaland have been urged to make reproductive health screening a regular part of their healthcare routine, with experts warning that ignoring early signs could lead to complications, including infertility, later in life.
The call was made by Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) Manicaland spokesperson, Mr Daniel Maromo, while addressing young people at the Zimpapers Artificial Intelligence Conference recently.
Mr Maromo said reproductive health should not be treated as a concern only when starting a family, but as a priority from adolescence.
“Young people should go for reproductive health screening regularly because early screening can help us identify problems that may affect fertility in the future. If you notice certain irregularities in your body while you are still young, do not ignore them or assume they will disappear on their own. Come and get screened so that we can identify and address the problem early,” said Mr Maromo, adding that protecting reproductive health at a young age can contribute to healthier families and communities.
“Do not wait until there is a fertility problem before you start thinking about your reproductive health. Start now. Know your body, get screened when necessary and seek help early,” said Mr Maromo, adding that early screening gives young people an opportunity to understand their bodies and to seek appropriate medical attention before minor issues develop into serious complications.
To bridge existing gaps, ZNFPC has established Youth Friendly Health Services for them.
Mr Maromo said the traditional role played by extended family members in guiding adolescents had weakened over the years, making formal health education and youth-friendly services increasingly important.
“Traditionally, our aunts and uncles would sit down with boys and girls, and talk to them about relationships, growing up and reproductive health.
“But we realised that this is no longer happening consistently, and we saw the need to come in and bridge that gap. Where there is a gap in information, young people can easily turn to unreliable sources. Our responsibility is to make sure they receive accurate information and have access to services when they need them,” said Mr Maromo.
He said the programme targets young people aged between 10 and 24, providing age-appropriate information on bodily changes, relationships and reproductive health.
“We target the 10 to 24 age group. We give young people information about their bodies, health issues and how to deal with relationships.
“We want them to have the right information so that they can make informed decisions,” he said.
Mr Maromo said the programme is not limited to information, but also provides clinical services through youth-friendly centres.
“We also offer clinical services through our youth centres, where young people can access services free of charge.
“We screen for sexually transmitted infections and provide treatment where necessary,” he said, noting that such services are critical because young people often hesitate to visit conventional health facilities for reproductive health care due to fear of judgement, embarrassment or lack of privacy.
Mr Maromo urged young people not to allow embarrassment to prevent them from seeking medical attention, and encouraged them to prioritise their education and make responsible decisions about relationships.
“We teach boys and girls about abstinence and encourage them to focus on their education.
“Being young is a time to build your future, and making responsible decisions about relationships can help protect that future,” he said, adding that reproductive health should not be reduced to avoiding pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections, but include understanding one’s body and safeguarding long-term wellbeing.
“Sometimes people only think about reproductive health when they want to have children.
“We want young people to understand that reproductive health starts much earlier. Knowing your body and seeking help when something is not normal are important parts of taking care of yourself,” he said. Mr Maromo cautioned against self-diagnosis based on social media or peer advice.
“Do not diagnose yourself based on what you see on social media or what a friend tells you.
“If you notice something unusual, visit a health facility and speak to a health professional,” he said, adding that early intervention reduces the burden of reproductive health complications by ensuring conditions are detected and managed before they become difficult to treat.
Providing services in a youth-friendly environment, he added, encourages young people to take greater responsibility for their health.
Mr Maromo said parents, guardians and educators also have a role to play in creating an environment where young people can discuss reproductive health openly.
