By Patient Sibanda
The HIV and AIDS prevention awareness programme through sports has reached adolescent girls and young women in Magwegwe district following its launch in Nketa suburb last month.
The program is meant to benefit all districts in Bulawayo so that adolescent girls and young women find space to access health services near their homes.
Speaking during the event, Thandanani Gumede, a motivational speaker said youths should participate in such events as they are beneficial to them.
“Adolescent girls and young women should partake in such events as to escape peer pressure,” said Gumede.
“Such events are very important as young people gain knowledge on issues of HIV and AIDS. It’s a good start to HIV and AIDS-free generation as long as young people participate in such events”.
The Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe girls and women (DREAMS) , ambassador Roseli Matima said the response to the programme has so far been pleasing.
“This is our third event on HIV and AIDS prevention awareness program through sports whereby we are targeting adolescent girls and young women between the ages of 10-24 years. We have covered three districts, which are Nketa, Emakhandeni and Magwegwe. This has brought a positive impact to Bulawayo as many young stars are standing up as we try to raise awareness on HIV and AIDS,” said Matima.
The awareness program was launched last month in Nketa suburb with the aim of encouraging and increasing demand of young girls accessing health services.
According to Matima about 54 adolescent girls and young women accessed voluntary hiv/aids services in Magwegwe.
