'Stay away from prostitution'

2007-02-01 08:23

Johannesburg - Zimbabweans should continue to be resilient in the face of harsh economic realities and earn an honest living to avoid contracting HIV/Aids, say reports.

Speaking during a belated ceremony to mark World Aids Day, Mutoko North member of the House of Assembly David Chapfika urged youths in the area to initiate various projects and desist from relying on prostitution.

He said the youth, especially girls, should not be lured into sexual encounters by long distance truck drivers as they risked contracting HIV/Aids.

Chapfika said: "Don't be fooled by these long distance truck drivers. How can you get into a sexual relationship with a person whose sexual history you do not know. He will infect you with HIV."

He said the government - through the National Aids Council - was trying its best to conquer the HIV/Aids pandemic. He pointed out that the results were encouraging as indicated by the declining HIV prevalence rate.

Chapfika said people should uphold traditional values and adopt Aids orphans so that they do not end up destitute.

He said: "Let us adopt HIV/Aids orphans and give them love. They need guidance and parental care."

- SAPA