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From:	Gabriel ADEYEMO [ profile ]
Subject:	Zimbabwe: National AIDS Council wants permission to put condoms in schools
Sent:	Jun 29th, 2011 - 04:59:35

	Source:* Standard (Zimbabwe)* http://www.safaids.net/content/zimbabwe-nac-wants-permission-put-condoms-schools The National AIDS Council (NAC) is proposing amendments to a number of laws that could see the distribution of condoms at schools as a way of fighting the AIDS scourge. NAC has identified about seven laws, which it wants amended to complement its efforts. They include the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council Act. The law provides for the structure, functions and powers of ZNFPC, which include child spacing and fertility services, promotion and implementation of primary health care. But NAC wants the Act amended so that "contraceptives be made readily available in schools...stipulate placing of condoms in hotels, night clubs and lodges". Madeline Dube, the NAC information and communication director said the recommendations were made by a consultant hired to review HIV and AIDS policies in Zimbabwe with a view of harmonising them. If the proposals are accepted, Zimbabwe will be following in the footsteps of South Africa, which in 2007 introduced the Children's Act that gives children 12 years and older the right to access contraceptives. Other recommendations that could spark debate in Zimbabwe's conservative society include amending the Prisons Act to allow for routine HIV-testing on admission and on release from prison. There are also calls to include sexual violence and rape in prisons as punishable offences... NAC also wants a review of the Sexual Offences Act to "deal with homosexuality and prostitution in a programmatic way. " Homosexuality and prostitution is illegal in Zimbabwe making it difficult for AIDS interventions to be directed at groups involved in the practices. Other laws that have been targeted for review include the Public Health Act, Customs and Excise Act, Children's Act, Medical Services Act, Broadcasting Services Act and National AIDS Council of Zimbabwe Act. More information on the link above -- Many Thanks Yours' in Prevention Science Gabriel, ADEYEMO Regional Focal Point - West Africa Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AID (GYCA) +234-80-6798-7317 \| gabriel (at) gyca.org www.gyca.org \| www.tigweb.org GYCA is a youth-led global network of more than 5,500 young leaders and adult allies working on youth and HIV/AIDS in over 173 countries world-wide. GYCA's mission is to empower young leaders with the skills, knowledge, resources and opportunities they need to scale up HIV/AIDS interventions amongst their peers. Universal Access is possible; * Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination and Zero AIDS-related deaths.*

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