Gov’t embarks on anti-cross generational sex campaign

GASABO - The Ministry of Youth over the weekend launched a six-month campaign against cross generational sex, a campaign that has been dubbed ‘Sinigurisha’ (I am not for sale). This is yet another drive aimed at curbing the prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS among the youth. Cross generational sex refers to sexual relationship between girls and older men and boys with older women often for gifts and money. The campaign was launched Saturday jointly with the National Commission for the Fight against Aids (CNLS), USAID and Population Services International (PSI) at Petit Stade in Remera. Representatives of the three stakeholders in this campaign passed their warning messages to youth against having sexual relationships with older people usually known as sugar daddies and mummies. “Statistics have indicated that girls aged 20-24 are five times more likely to be infected with HIV than boys of the same age,” Dr. Anita Asiimwe, the Executive Secretary of CNLS said at the event, warning the youth to desist from any kind of temptation. Quoting statistics, Asiimwe added that 1 out of 10 girls had their first sexual experience with men who are 10 or more years older. “Since older men are much more likely to be infected with HIV than their male counterparts, young girls appear to be getting infected by older men, rather than by boys of their age,” she explained. Minister of Youth, Protais Mitali called upon all institutions to prevent prevalence rate among youth by fighting the habits of ‘Sugar Daddies and Mummies’ who seduce the young generation with money and gifts for sex. In a separate interview, Staci Leuschuer, who represented PSI- Rwanda, said there is less use of condoms among sexually active youth. She said about 40 percent of youth use condoms and between 24-5 percent of girls use condoms among youth with 15-24 years old. The youths who had turned up for the launch included students from various secondary schools in Kigali City, were entertained by local artistes among them KGB and Miss JOJO. Ends