Girls advised to avoid inter-generational sex

Girls are being advised to avoid inter-generational sex as HIV/AIDS prevalence studies have revealed prevalence in South West at 1.8%, 4.3% nationwide.

This caution is to avoid cross-generational sex as a way to protect themselves from HIV-AIDS.

The call came from Dr. Gilbert Tchatchou, Coordinator of the South West Regional Technical Group for the Fight Against HIV/AIDS at the end of the two-weeks-long sensitisation campaigns within the framework of the 2014 “AIDS-Free Holidays”.

According to the official statistics, 2231 people were counselled and tested of HIV/AIDS in the South West Region during the campaign. Out of the 1439 men tested, 22 were positive giving a 1.5% prevalence of HIV/AIDS among men in the South West.

Of the 792 women tested, 19 were positive, giving a 2.5% prevalence of HIV/AIDS among women.

Dr.Tchatchou observed that girls between the ages of 20 and 29 are much involved in sexual activity. He said that girls start sexual activity earlier than men and with older men. Girls were therefore urged to avoid inter-generational sex and embrace abstinence.

According to the report, 97.5% of those who go for the HIV/AIDS test return for their results. “…many individuals and groups have joined in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Thanks go to the youths and the peer educators who have e been out on the field for the sensitisation campaign…school going youths are embracing the fight and prevalence is stabilising.

The change of behaviour that has largely been adopted must continue. Abstinence for youths is watchword. Sex can wait, but your future can’t,” Dr.Tchatchou said.

Though rains disturbed the sensitisation campaign by the peer educators, over 360 female condoms were given out as the 100 youths cum peer-educators criss-cross the town.

Jean StephaneBiatcha, Executive Secretary of the African Synergy against AIDS and Sufferings said the results of the sensitisation against HIV/AIDS are generally very satisfactory.

He said despite the grounds covered, the about 4.3% prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the country puts Cameroon in the context of a generalised pandemic. He regretted the fact that youthfulness is vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, given that more youths, and especially girls engage in risky sex practices.

As the campaign against HIV/AIDS wrapped up in Buea under the theme: “ Youth: the fight against AIDS continues”, GovernorOkaliaBilai, just like Buea Mayor, Patrick Ekema have joined others to call for all to join the army against HIV/AIDS.

The campaign unfolded under the distinguished patronage of Madam Chantal Biya, First Lady of Cameroon and Founding President of the African Synergy. Special packs of school material and food items were handed to the peer educators on behalf of Madam Chantal Biya.