Authorities in Mzimba District have warned the youth against indulging in risky behaviour such as premarital sex to avoid contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.
Following reports that some youths were flirting with contractors rehabilitating the M1 section between Jenda and Mzimba Turn-off in the district, Consulting and Business Services Company on Wednesday conducted an HIV and Aids awareness campaign at Luviri Trading Centre, Traditional Authority Mzikubola in the district.
In his remarks, Ideal Consulting and Business Services Company coordinator Derek Chiwanda said most youths in areas where construction works are taking place tend to fall in relationships with strangers working on various projects.
“Our company was hired to create awareness on HIV and Aids transmission. So, we are raising awareness on the dangers of flirting with strangers,” he said.
Group village head Zawagumbo said the meeting with the youth was timely.
“We want our youths to learn how these contractors work. Some of these contractors can promise good things such as phones or money but in the end the youth risk contracting diseases and for girls getting pregnant,” he said.
On her part, Chauncy Chirwa from Yosefe Village, admitted that there have been instances where some workers approach girls for sex.
“As girls, we are easily lured by such things as money and other goodies without thinking about the consequences,” she said.
Chirwa appealed to fellow girls to think beyond gifts that some workers may promise them.
