Moffat Mungazi
Lloyd Makonya
Correspondent
THE festive season, traditionally a time of joy and celebration, has revealed a concerning trend, with a significant increase in the sale of morning-after pills, indicating a rise in unprotected sexual activities.
Despite misleading social media claims of recent stock shortages, a quick check done in Mutare showed that the morning after pills were in stock, though there was a stark rise in purchases during the holiday period.
This surge reflects a growing carelessness in sexual behaviour, particularly among young people. The morning-after pill, intended as a safety net for contraceptive failures or accidental exposures, is increasingly being used as a primary contraceptive method. This practice raises serious concerns about awareness and preparedness regarding sexual health.
Mr Tinashe Masasi a pharmacist in Mutare said: “The implications extend beyond unplanned pregnancies, highlighting issues such as inadequate sexual education, normalisation of risky behaviours, and increased vulnerability to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV. Emergency contraceptives do not protect against infections, and their misuse underscores gaps in sexual health practices and awareness.”
Young people, susceptible to peer pressure and the festive atmosphere, are particularly at risk. Many lack comprehensive knowledge about sexual health, making them vulnerable. Without proper education on safe sex practices and the dangers of STDs, the festive period becomes a window for the spread of infections with long-term health consequences.
A medical practitioner, Dr Forgiveness Chitungo expressed concerns over the surge in the sales of morning-after pills, stating: “The sharp increase in the use of morning-after pills is quite concerning. As healthcare professionals, we need to thoroughly analyze the underlying causes of this trend to effectively address the root problem. While the users of these pills seem to have an understanding of the importance of preventing unwanted pregnancies, it raises questions about their awareness of protecting against sexually transmitted infections. This highlights the need for further research to understand why some individuals may be opting against using preventive measures like condoms.”
In Manicaland Province, significant progress has been made in combating HIV and AIDS.
The province boasts the third-lowest HIV prevalence in Zimbabwe, with a provincial average of 9,35 percent, trailing only Harare and Mashonaland Central. The incidence rate has also declined significantly from 0,29 percent to the current 0,14 percent, attributed to a robust response framework supported by Government leadership and active involvement of various stakeholders.
However, challenges persist, particularly in Makoni District, which bears the highest prevalence and incidence rates in the province.
Makoni District’s elevated prevalence and incidence rates have prompted intensified efforts to curb the epidemic. These include prevention strategies such as condom distribution, voluntary medical male circumcision, HIV testing, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission.
The rise in morning-after pill sales should serve as a wake-up call for individuals and society.
It is imperative to shift focus from quick fixes to prevention, education, and responsibility. Strengthening sexual health programmes and normalising conversations around safe sex are crucial steps.
As we enter the new year, let us strive for responsible sexual behaviour, and prioritise the health and safety of our youths.
Ensuring that every young person has the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions is essential to safeguard their futures from the potentially devastating effects of STDs.
