Health Reporter
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) European office has expressed concern over a decline in condom use among sexually active teenagers worldwide.
According to a recent report, the percentage of boys who used a condom during their last sexual intercourse dropped from 70% in 2014 to 61% in 2022. Among girls, the figure decreased from 63% to 57% over the same period.
Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Europe’s regional director, described the findings as “dismaying” but “not surprising,” given the neglect of sexuality education in many countries.
“The results are a clear indication that we need to do more to support young people in making informed decisions about their sexual health,” Dr. Kluge said.
The report, which surveyed nearly a quarter-million 15-year-olds across 42 countries, also found that teens from poorer families were more likely to report not using condoms.
“Condom use among girls was lowest in Albania, at 24%, and highest in Serbia, at 81%,” the report stated. “For boys, the lowest rate of use was in Sweden, at 43%, while the highest rate was in Switzerland, at 77%.”
Dr. Kluge emphasized the importance of age-appropriate sexuality education, which has come under attack in recent years.
“We need to ensure that young people have access to accurate and comprehensive information about their sexual health,” he said.
The report’s authors urged decision-makers to take action to improve sexuality education and promote condom use among teenagers.
“We cannot afford to neglect the sexual health of our young people,” said one of the report’s authors. “The consequences of inaction will be devastating.”
In Zimbabwe this publication has it on research that sexually active teen girls are more afraid of falling pregnant than contracting Sexual Transmitted Infections.
“We sell a lot of Morning After tablets to teens on a daily basis.” A Pharmacist confirmed on condition of anonimity.
It is a worrying phenomenon amongst the youths and its widespread.
“Yes I have used morning after Tablets on several occasions.” Confirmed form three student from local college in Bulawayo.
The rate of Morning After tablets is rampant amongst University Students who confided with this publication that elder men insist on not using condoms.
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