YONECO stepped up its community outreach efforts by engaging young people around Mwanyama Village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mponda through health awareness sessions aimed at promoting responsible health practices.
The sessions focused on the importance of timely seeking medical help, understanding one’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and breaking the stigma that still surrounds such conversations in many communities.
Facilitators encouraged the youth to go for regular health check-ups, practice safe sex, and communicate openly with their partners. Additionally, the participants were also urged community members to seek help from qualified health workers instead of buying cheap, unprescribed drugs from unlicensed dealers.
“Some people still believe that illnesses like sexually transmitted infections are caused by witchcraft. These myths stop people from getting proper medical treatment and can make their situation worse,” said one participant.
The team also addressed fears that some people had regarding visiting health facilities. The participants were assured that health workers are trained to respect patient confidentiality.
The sessions were hailed by many young people who indicated that the information had changed their perceptions.
“I used to think going to the hospital for STI treatment would make people talk about me,” “Now I know health workers are there to help, not to shame anyone,” said 21-year-old Thokozani who attended one of the sessions.
Another young participant said, “I’ve learned that buying medicine from unqualified people is dangerous. From now onwards, I will be clever.”
