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KADOMA- In most African countries including Zimbabwe, issues on sexual reproductive health (SRH) between parents children are seen as a taboo and this has largely affected sexual and reproductive issues among young people who lack information on sexual health.
The gap has resulted in an increase in teenage pregnancies and cases of HIV infections among teenagers but according to Headman Shepherd Mudimu of Patchway in Sanyati District, these cases are declining, thanks to a program that encourages effective communications between parents and children on teenage sexuality being carried out in his area with about 400 households included.
The program “Parent to Child Communication” being spearheaded by National Aids Council (NAC) is targeting young people aged 10-19 years.
“We have noticed that challenges of drug and substance abuse including teenage pregnancies are decreasing in the area and cases of child marriages has declined also and I can attribute this to an improvement in communication between parents and their children on these issues,” he said.
Headman Mudimu said through the program, the behavior of teenagers has also improved.
Parent to Child Communication community facilitator Ebba Uzumba said through the program she involves parents and children in group focus discussions where various issues relating to teenage health and upbringing are discussed.
“Through the Parent to Child Communication program we have managed to help parents improve communication between parents and teenagers on sexual issues which helps teenagers to open up on sexual reproductive health issues such as menstruation, sex,and other issues in a friendly environment,”she said.
The program which is being implemented in the area since July 2021 has so has created a safe and friendly space for sexual reproductive health discussions between parents and children.
During a NAC media tour of various initiatives around Mashonaland West, NAC District Coordinator for Sanyati District, Amnot Chipandamura has hailed the program which he said has also helped in dealing with the issues of stigma and discrimination as well as improved adherence to HIV treatment.
“The community has embraced the program and teenagers on treatment have improved their treatment adherence and by engaging both parents and children there has been an improved decrease in teenage pregnancies and child marriages whilst the teenagers themselves have improved communication skills on various issues,” said Chipandamura.
A 19 year old teenager Shame Mugopa said he has learnt a lot through the program and is now well informed about various health issues as he previously held on various myths he had heard especially on HIV.
” I’m getting accurate information on issues like HIV and also getting skills on how I can effectively communicate with my parents with confidence,” he said.