The world of news is in constant motion, and the Francophonie Games in Kinshasa are no exception. Beyond sporting competitions and cultural events, NGOs have mobilized to raise awareness among young people about responsible sexuality.
At the Tata Raphael stadium and the Martyrs stadium, two key sites for these games, young people took part in awareness sessions led by members of the Coulibaly Sidik Center, an NGO committed to promoting sexual health.
The objective of these sessions is to make young people aware of the importance of responsible sexuality to prevent sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies and HIV/AIDS. Maria Mazeya, member of the NGO, explains that their interventions focus in particular on women’s menstrual cycles and the use of condoms.
To support their actions, the NGO distributes kits including contraceptive pills, cycle collars and male condoms. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that sexually active young people are at higher risk of sexually transmitted infections. Thus, these awareness initiatives aim to respond to an urgent need for education and prevention in this population.
This mobilization of NGOs during the Francophonie Games highlights the importance of sexual and reproductive health, and reminds us that young people are a prime target for these questions. By raising awareness among young people about responsible sexuality, these initiatives contribute to building generations that are better informed and more aware of the issues related to their sexual health.
It is hoped that these awareness-raising actions are not limited to the Francophonie Games event, but that they continue to be deployed on a regular basis and accessible to all young people, in order to promote healthy and informed sexuality while throughout their lives. Sexual health is a vital topic that deserves constant attention and continued efforts from society as a whole.