NGO targets 2000 youths with AIDS messages
GEMACCADET, a youth organization based in Rumphi says it plans to train over 2000 youths in life skills in scaling up the fight against HIV and AIDS.
The organization’s Executive Director Thinkho Mhango said his organization has so far trained over 200 youths.
The National AIDS Commission (NAC) through the prevention of HIV is sponsoring the 10-day life skill and peer education youth project currently being implemented in the area of T/A Chikulamayembe in the district.
NAC has bankrolled the project to the tune of MK11 million.
Mhango said youths continue to fall victims to the scourge saying there is need to equip them with necessary skills so that they are able to identify their risks and be in a position protect themselves.
He also said there is need for government and other stakeholders to deliberately formulate programmes that will promote a health seeking behavior among adolescent youths and encourage delayed sexual debuts and also ensure the provision of Youth friendly services.
Life Skills trainer Stellah Mpina said youths remain the bedrock of the country’s development agenda hence the need to strive for a HIV free future generation.
Mpina, who works with Youth Net and Counseling (YONECO), said youths need to value their lives and protect themselves from contracting HIV, a virus that causes AIDS.
