By Clemence Tashaya
EENHANA – The Namibia Planned Parenthood Association (NAPPA) has called for caution against activities that could heighten the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Infections, STIs.
Making a call in Eenhana, the Programme Coordinator for NAPPA in the Ohangwena region, Risto Mushongo, recognised that Valentine’s Day, which was celebrated last Friday, is a period where gratitude of love is demonstrated between individuals through gestures of affection such as flowers, perfumes, clothes among other gift items. But he cautioned that “Valentine’s Day as good as it may be, has however, brought up worrisome aspects festering this celebration of the love season. This is the high rate of indiscriminate sexual and other negative activities which are perpetrated on this day leading to uninformed decision making among the Namibian adolescents and youths. In our quest to actualise a generation free from HIV and AIDS, NAPPA is advising that in this season of love as in February, young Namibians should make informed decisions about their sexual engagements in order to halt the spread of the virus.”
Reminding young Namibians of the need to be principled and to abstain or indulge only in protected sex at this period of love sharing, Mushongo remarked that consumption of alcohol had become a worrisome aspect and catalyst in the spread of HIV and AIDS among the sexually active partners. “Either good or bad, alcohol intake does influence an individual’s judgment and perception. It is widely observed that drinking alcohol leads to increased risky sexual behaviour, like not using protection to prevent HIV and AIDS or having sex that you will regret you had”.
“As we celebrate love in this year’s 2014 Valentine’s Day, it is good to note that safe sex is not just about protecting oneself but protecting those we love. As a nation, we must all come together with our partners and loved ones to discuss HIV and AIDS epidemic, and above all get tested. Young girls were seen all over some entertainment places during Valentine’s Day and as NAPPA, we are calling upon them to use our clinic during this month of love,” he said.
But for Cathy Jacobs and Debbie Uupindi both senior Media Officers in the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), Valentine’s Day was not only meant for romantic love although believe that partners spoiled themselves with gifts and all sorts of things. They believe that the big day for love was also meant to even give the less privileged in the Ohangwena region like members of the San communities across the country. “Not only are we supposed to see people making love but also to see them giving or donating to our people here who are less privileged. We have lots of orphans in the Ohangwena region and it’s high time as couples and families as well show them love by donating or sponsoring them with something else,” says Jacobs