I happened to have eavesdropped a conversation of a group of youthful men who said that their girl friends prefer using the withdraw method than using a condom when having sex. Statistics show that the number of sexually active youth from ages 18- 25, who go for HIV/ AIDS testing is very small, hence many are at the risk of infection and they think the possibility of contracting HIV is minimal, whereas others fear learning the truth. In most cases the withdraw method and contraceptives help in preventing unwanted pregnancies but not Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). I interviewed people to have their say on the issue. LAMBERT INGABIRE (PHARMACIST) Most of them know the risk but during that moment of the intercourse pregnancy crosses their minds first since it can be witnessed easily while one has to test to know that he or she has contracted HIV. JULIE UWIMANA (STUDENT) One has to be very naïve to consider pregnancy being more dangerous than HIV AIDS. It’s an indicator that more has to be done concerning the scourge; campaigns such as condom use and abstinence should be extensively promoted. HENRY GATERA (ADMINISTRATOR) Such issues arise due to unhealthy relationships like the sugar mummy and sugar daddy relationships so the young ones are intimidated into having unprotected sex because of the big age difference. RITAH UMUMARARUNGU (NURSE) It’s because of the problems this country went through that most orphans need proper guidance hence will stop considering pregnancy to be more dangerous than the AIDS scourge. ALIAN MANZI (BUSINESSMAN) The youth at times are very naïve about some issues especially if misled by a superior. Programs to educate on the killer disease should be introduced in all schools starting with primary level so that HIV/AIDS cannot just be considered like any other disease that is curable. SOPHIE UMUHIRE (STUDENT) Those who don’t know that AIDS is incurable and consider pregnancy to be more dangerous are extremely ignorant, so there is need to purely sensitize the public because victims will end up passing the virus to the innocent people. What is your say? Dorau20@yahoo.co.uk
