By Joel Phiri

Mzimba, August 7, Mana: Executive Director for Mzimba Youth Organisation, Moses Nkhana has said his organisation has procured 25,000 condoms valued at K1.5 million to be distributed at Umtheto cultural festival which will take place from 9 - 12 August 2023.

Speaking in an interview on Monday, Nkhana said the move comes in the wake of recent records by Mzimba South District Health Office which showed that over 650 people contracted various sexually transmitted infections (STIs) between January and March 2023 in the district.

Nkhana said as an organisation they believe some youths and people may take advantage of the gathering at Umtheto to indulge in sex.

‘‘Our office gives out free condoms and contraceptive pills but we have observed that trends have changed of late whereby more people are coming to collect pills than condoms.

"This is because more people are afraid of pregnancies than diseases that’s why we want to take advantage of the gathering at Umtheto to create awareness and also distribute condoms,’’.

Mzimba Heritage Association (Mziha) publicist, Kingsley Jere has welcomed the initiative by Mzimba Youth organisation to distribute condoms, saying it is prudent to put in place measures to protect people.

However, Chairperson of Mzimba Civil Society organisations, Christopher Melele said the records released by the district health office could not be directly linked to Umthetho cultural event.

‘‘The recent records of STIs were released by Mzimba DHO showed records of those at Mzimba boma so I don’t know how those records could be linked to Umtheto gathering,’’ said Melele.