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As opposed to the traditional days, dating in the village has b been simplified as a text message seals a date without the knowledge of parents. Them that cannot afford mobile phones have adapted “pass words” such as coughs, claps etc to alert their sweet hearts that they are passing by. Most young people here tend to be more cautious about pregnancy than HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections. Use of condoms is an act that is yet to be unanimously embraced as the argument is that it is like “eating sweets with a wrapper” hence the taste is lost in between. This is an attitude that requires urgent intervention to revert.
As young people, we must rise to the occasion and be get keepers of correct and consistent information to counter myths and romours embedding human sexuality. Many rural areas and slums in Kenya continue to report high incidences of drug abuse and pre marital sex.
In a deliberate move to turn the tides, I am submitting my candidacy for the President on a Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) in the country. I call upon the young people to join my “party” and get tested for HIV. No matter the result, we shall all be winners and every one is assured of a position in the party. In his words Nelson Mandela, “knowledge is the most lethal weapon you can use to conquer the world,” and in deed we shall all be winners and make responsible decisions in life with our HIV status in mind.
Article by: Victor Rasugu. Country Programme Coordinator-Network for Adolescent and Youth of Africa-Kenya Chapter
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VICTOR RASUGU
Victor Rasugu is a reproductive health activist committed to entrenchment of accessible and affordable sexual reproductive health services at all levels.
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