Youth participate in tech-based HIV prevention campaign

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Youth participate in tech-based HIV prevention campaign
Youth participate in tech-based HIV prevention campaign

Africa-Press – Lesotho. Yesterday saw the youth participate in a march in the capital city and showcase drama activities on HIV prevention as part of the Technology-Based HIV Prevention Program for Youth (THPPY).

The project is a joined venture of the National AIDS Commission (NAC), Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and it runs simultaneously in Limkokwing campuses in Botswana, Eswatini and Lesotho. It is meant to popularize the use of technology for HIV prevention interventions among youths in the three countries.

Speaking at the event, SADC Project Officer-Technology-Based HIV Prevention Program for the Youth at LUCT Mamello Makote said the project is for the youth by the youth. She said the awareness march was not only meant for the students but every youth and was meant to sensitize the youth and adolescents about HIV prevention and Early and Unintended Pregnancy (EUP), child marriage and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

“This program among other things scales-up and adapts multi-media and technology-based prevention programs targeting adolescents and young people,” she highlighted.

The Lesotho Planned Parenthood Association (LPPA) Program Director Tlali Matela informed that LPPA has programs for the youth which among other things provide them with contraception services to avoid early and unintended pregnancies. Matela stressed the importance of falling pregnant willingly, with a chosen partner and at the time preferred by the two. He urged the youth to avoid becoming parents unwillingly and to focus on their studies as there is a long, brighter future ahead.

“Condom use is a critical element in a comprehensive, effective and sustainable approach to HIV prevention and treatment. Use condoms correctly and consistently,” he added.

In other news, the Lesotho Mounted Police Services (LMPS) Officers also provided guidance to the students and insisted they buy laptops from reputable stores for safety reasons, to be financially savvy, be aware of the buying and selling platforms online and avoid sending their monies to scammers. They also counselled them on the types of legal marriages in Lesotho, advised them to avoid stay-together relationships.

Moreover, the People’s Matrix Association Peer Educator Tello Hlao famously known as Aunty Botee said Matrix is an organization that fights for the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Plus (LGBTIQ+) community members in Lesotho and they provide services to the youth in schools and those out of schools. “Reduce your risk of HIV, use condoms correctly and consistently,” she urged the students.

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