By Georgia Mutale Musonda
Let’s Talk About HIV – A Reality We Can No Longer Ignore, because 80% of you here are engaging in sexual activities with multiple people and 70% of you ladies are SELLING
On Wednesday morning, the National AIDS Council convened a National Consultation Meeting for the Global AIDS Strategy 2026–2031. During this important session, it was revealed that in 2024 alone, 23,000 Zambians tested positive for HIV, with over one-third of these new infections occurring among adolescents and young people.
This data is deeply alarming and should prompt serious reflection on our behaviors and choices, particularly Lusaka. While comments describing Lusaka as “one big bedroom” or “a business complex” may sound humorous to some, they reflect a disturbing reality. Lusaka is disgusting! 🤮
There is an overwhelming normalization of casual and transactional sex, and this is the same Lusaka where you can’t have decent and open conversations with the opposite gender without being asked for sexual advances or favors.
It is especially troubling that in many social spaces, including salons and gatherings, conversations among young people are often centered around sexual exploits, alcohol, and material gains. This culture, where sex is exchanged for money, alcohol, jobs, or favors, is not only destructive but dangerous. It is unacceptable! HOW DO YOU PEOPLE ENGAGE IN UNPROTECTED SEX WITH SOMEONE WHOSE STATUS YOU DONT KNOW? Totally irresponsible!
I urge all sexually active individuals to take their health seriously. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is now available in selected health facilities, including the long-acting injectable form. While PrEP offers protection against HIV, it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, some of which may be more serious.
To our young men: please take the lead in promoting safer sexual practices. Use CONDOMS consistently and correctly. Many of your partners may be engaging in high-risk behavior without your knowledge, and the consequences can be life-altering.
Let’s change the narrative. Protect your health. Know your status, and your partner’s status too. And above all, respect yourself and others.
