Makerere University students to give out condoms
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Date: Jun 11, 2012
By Francis Emorut
Makerere University students have launched a campaign drive to distribute condoms and contraceptives in order to prevent unwanted pregnancies and HIV/AIDS.
Makerere University students have launched a campaign drive to distribute condoms and contraceptives in order to prevent unwanted pregnancies and HIV/AIDS.
The students who were selected from different faculties will dish out condoms and contraceptives to their peers beginning from their residential halls.
Over 5000 students are expected to be reached out by the end of the year.
The over 100 trained students on emergency contraception will also approach their colleagues residing in hostels to sensitize them on the dangers of unplanned pregnancies.
The trained students will also create awareness among their peers and dish out condoms and contraceptives during major activities at campus such as sports, dialogues, conferences and others.
The distribution of condoms and contraceptives will be aided by Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU).
“You should take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way in the campus be it sports and any other event to give out condoms and contraceptives,” the executive director of Reproductive Health Uganda, Jackson Chekweko said.
Chekweko pointed out that cases of unsafe abortions and unplanned pregnancies are high in the high institutions of learning.
“When students attain university education some of them become excited and indulge in unprotected sex which sometimes leads to contracting HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and unwanted pregnancies,” he said.
Chekweoko attributed the reduction of HIV/AIDS prevalence in the country from 30% in 1980s to 6.4% currently to the use of condoms.
The selected students underwent intensive training on emergency contraceptives in Kampala on Saturday.
Emergency contraception refers to contraception pills or devices (intra uterine device) used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse, when a condom breaks during sexual encounter.
According to Alex Kiwanuka a youth project officer and a facilitator at RHU, for it to be effective, emergency contraceptives must be started within 120 hours (five) days after unprotected sex to reduce the risk of pregnancy.
The students were also taught how to fix female condom and what types of contraceptives are available in the market and how they should be used.
“I am going to start distributing contraceptives in my halls of residence,” Josephine Nangonzi, a community Psychology student said.
Jackson Ssali a third year student at Makerere University Business School said that he was going to face his colleagues and educate them about emergency contraception.
Alison Kwizera an economic student pointed out that the demonstration of how to fix a female condom had opened his eyes to see the real life.
“It is real life situation. I wouldn’t want my sister on any other girl
Dorcas Aciro, a student of a diploma in pharmacy said the training had empowered her.
“It’s better to educate your peers about unwanted pregnancies because at the end of the day you will save lives,” Aciro said.
Hannah Murungi, a social science student said she was determined to embark on the exercise of contraceptives distribution.
