YOUTH have been urged to avoid vices that could endanger their lives, including abusing drugs and engaging in early or unprotected sex.

The message was delivered during a sensitisation campaign on the prevention of HIV/Aids and dangers of drug abuse in Ndora Sector Gisagara District on Saturday.

The campaign, which targeted mainly students currently on holiday, was marked by competition in various fields, including cycling, songs, poems and other sports activities.

Public lectures on HIV/Aids and drug abuse were also held as part of the initiative which is championed by local leaders.

Gisagara mayor Leandre Karekezi told the youth that engaging in risky behaviour such as drug abuse, premature or unprotected sex would cause them troubles and land them in difficulties that would worsen their living conditions.

Dangers of drug abuse

Drug abuse, for instance, destroys the fabric of society and harms the lives of those who abuse them, thus stopping them from improving their lives and contributing to the development of their communities and the entire nation.

"Drug abuse is an enemy that we must all fight,” Karekezi told the youth. "If we want to develop, if we want our dreams of a better life to become a reality, we must avoid abusing drugs.”

He said by avoiding drugs, the youth would be rendering themselves a great service while at the same time contributing to building a better future of their country.

He also cautioned them against premature and unprotected sex, noting that it might bring them unplanned pregnancies or leave them with one or many sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/Aids.

"Avoid behaviours that might ruin your future and focus on what make you step forward and improve your life,” Karekezi said.