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Officials demand condoms-in-schools rethink
New Zimbabwe
May 17, 2012
http://www.newzimbabwe.com/news-7986-Condoms+in+schools+demands+grow/news.aspx
The government
is facing renewed calls to begin new consultations on distributing
condoms at schools to curb the spread of HIV.
Masvingo Province's
second most senior civil servant said Education Minister David Coltart
had closed the debate on the matter "prematurely".
Provincial administrator
Felix Chikovo says ministers would rather pretend sex is not happening
at schools.
Speaking during
belated World Aids Day commemorations in Gutu district held under
the theme 'Getting To Zero', Chikovo said stopping new
HIV infections demanded strong leadership and tough decisions.
"Earlier
this year, there was a nationwide debate over the issue of condom
distribution at schools. I felt the debate ended prematurely before
correct solutions could be proffered," said Chikova, a former
school headmaster.
"There
may be a need to re-engage on this matter and forge working solutions
to the problem in our midst."
At least 14
percent of Zimbabwe's population is HIV positive, but the
infection rate has been steadily declining over the last decade
on the back of increased awareness campaigns.
Some HIV-Aids
activists have suggested that schools should be targeted for sex
education programmes, with condoms made available to pupils who
need them.
"It is
no longer a secret that children are indulging in sexual activities
hence the need for a collective dialogue with concerned parties,"
said Peter Vhoko, the chairman of Masvingo Province's Aids
Action Committee.
Education Minister
David Coltart has resisted the push for condoms at schools, insisting
that would encourage sexual deviance.
"There
is no way we can allow distribution of condoms in schools. Parents
want their children to abstain from sex at school age," Coltart
said earlier this year.
"School
children should focus on their studies; we can't have condoms
in school toilets, classrooms and libraries. Those who would want
condoms should go outside the school premises maybe at nightclubs
and street corners not at schools."
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