VALENTINE’s Day comes with love, romance and sexual activities to celebrate the day of love.
With this, some will engage in unprotected sex and risk getting infected with sexually transmitted diseases.
This led Limpopo Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba being concerned that first-year tertiary students will engage in unprotected sex while others will be in danger of being date-raped.
Ramathuba urged students to be careful.
“Don’t agree to be bullied or forced into sex because you are new. Consent is important because there is teenage pregnancy that can happen. There are sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) that they may contract if they don’t protect themselves,” she said.
She said they shouldn't keep quiet if they are being bullied or encounter sexual violence.
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“Speak out and report to the police without fail. Be empowered because your focus should be on education for a better future,” she said.
Ramathuba warned the students to open their eyes and not be hooked on drugs and substance abuse, otherwise they might fall prey to sexual abuse or any criminal activities.
“The girl and boy child can avoid irreparable regrets such as teenage pregnancy, infection with STIs and HIV, criminal records especially with rape. But if you can't control yourself, carry your condom with you at all the times. Use PrEP to prevent HIV infection,” she said.
Ramathuba said sex self-restraint was the best and the first weapon in defeating STIs, HIV infection and teenage pregnancy.
“Enjoy your Valentine’s Day responsibly. All types of condoms are available at our health facilities for free. Use them all the time so you never have to worry about STIs, HIV transmission and unwanted pregnancy. Celebrating life events should not cost you your future,” she said.
