IMMORAL YOUTHS WORRY CHIEF CHIPEPO
SOME immoral trends being perpetuated by youths are worrying and detrimental to the fight against HIV and AIDS, Chief Chipepo of the Tonga people of Southern Province has said.
Chief Chipepo said he was concerned about the escalating immoral activities by young people and bars.
“The way young people are conducting themselves and the increase of bars in the country is very worrying, youths are indulging in sexual activities without even caring about their future and health.
“If you go to bars, you will find that it’s young people between the age group 17-26 years who are occupying most of the bars and night clubs. Eventually they end up having unprotected sex and increasing the spread of HIV,” Chief Chipepo said.
He challenged young people to embrace behaviour change, as part of the nation’s efforts to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Chief Chipepo said that discipline and behaviour change by young were key in defeating HIV/AIDS in Zambia.
“Youths should concentrate on positive behaviour, this will reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS and other potential social ill in our country,” Chief Chipepo said.
He observed that the fight against HIV could only be combatted if youths started to develop positive minds towards their future and careers rather than concentrating on activities that will stir the disease.
Chief Chipepo however, attributed the bad trend being exhibited by youths to lack of moral and spiritual guidance from both parents and other concerned stakeholders in the upbringing of youths in the country.
He appealed for concerted efforts from various stakeholders to mentor the young people on how to focus on their dream instead of engaging in illicit sex and alcohol abuse which could lead to the spread of HIV and AIDS.
“Everyone needs to get involved in saving the current generation from HIV/AIDS, especially parents. They need to guide their children and educate them on the dangers of HIV,” Chief Chipepo said.