SAFAIDS Begins Training MPs On Sexual Reproductive Health

0

By SITEMBILE SIWAWA

SHOUTING could be heard from a little hut that Petronella Muyaba (not real name) occupies as her husband scolds her for accessing family planning services just a few weeks after giving birth.

SAfAIDS_LOGO_newThe yelling is upsetting for her as she breastfeeds her baby especially that she has not fully recovered from the experience.

Petronella (28) is forced to blame herself for having listened to her friends about the idea of accessing family planning services weeks after delivering.

Little did she realise she made a wise decision and that the scolding by her husband was a clear indication of violation of her sexual reproductive health rights (SRHRs).

It is unfortunate that women have continued to suffer abuse at the hands of their husbands where SRHRs are concerned.

In as much as the unfortunate scenario is happening countrywide, it is worse in rural communities.

And in an attempt to bring the messages of SRHRs closer to rural communities, Southern African HIV and AIDS Information Dissemination Service (SAFAIDS) in Zambia has started training members of Parliament (MPs) and ward councillors to help sensitise their electorate.

The training and message could not have come at a better time than this when SRHRs are being violated without the realisation of women.

Furthermore, the HIV and AIDS prevalence rates are on the increase due to lack of recognition of the SRHRs.

SAFAIDS held its first training workshop last Saturday in Mumbwa which was attended by area MP Dr Brian Chituwo and 10 ward councillors.

SAFAIDS programmes officer Namucanah Mushabati said there is need to partner with MPs and ward councillors because it is general understood that parliamentarians and councillors have more influence over their constituencies.

“We call traditional, elected and religious leaders ‘champions’ who have the voice people in communities can listen to and actually practice what they are asked to do,” said Ms Mushabati.

She also said the issues of SRHRs if not addressed in the depths of rural communities are the key drivers of the HIV and AIDS pandemic.

True to this, SRHRs, which are a concept of human rights, require a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships as well as the possibility of pleasurable and safe sexual experience free of coercion, discrimination and violence.

SRHRs aim at ensuring that women of child- bearing age have access to quality health care services of their choice so that they remain healthy.

The violation of SRHRs includes early marriages, rape, defilement, marital rape and lack of age appropriate services.

And the consequences of the violation of these rights range from high maternal deaths, infant and child mortality rates, high teenage pregnancies and high abortion rates.

And Dr Chituwo said the HIV and AIDS pandemic has adversely affected rural communities as many women are not aware of SRHRs.

Dr Chituwo said failure by men and women to recognise and respect these rights has led to the high levels of HIV and AIDS.

He notes that “as legislators, we vote on Acts of Parliament and we can ensure that legislation protects human rights and advances effective prevention and care programmes”.

Mumbwa ward councillor Joshua Cholobesa said elected leaders in various constituencies have the duty to influence public opinion and increase public knowledge on various issues including HIV and AIDS.

Mr Cholobesa said, “As advocates, we can mobilise the involvement of Government, private sector and civil society to discharge their societal responsibilities in responding to the HIV and AIDS epidemic.”

He said elected leaders can allocate financial resources to support and enhance effective HIV and AIDS programmes that are consistent with human rights principles.

Meanwhile, Mumbwa district council secretary Elina Banda said the recognition of SRHRs will enable women attain full human potential.

Ms Banda said not only is there need to enlighten people on the existence of these rights but to also take the services closer to them.

She, however, said that disabled people also have a right to increased services. “Disabled people also have a right to sexual reproductive health and our legislators should be in the forefront in lobbying for their rights,” stressed Ms Banda.

And Kalwanyembe ward councillor Landson Sangwapo noted that self-stigmatisation is still rampant in his area due to lack of information.

Mr Sangwapo said some people would rather access their anti-retroviral drugs from health centres in other areas for fear of being seen.

He said “failure by some people to acknowledge their HIV status has greatly contributed to the rise in the prevalence rate of the pandemic in my area”.

Meanwhile, Mumbwa district clinical officer Kayama Nangana said despite the services of SRHRs being available, the number of unwanted pregnancies, especially in adolescents, is still considerably high.

He said it is vital for legislators to ensure tha there is information on such matters to enable them have access to services without difficulties.

Send your news stories to [email protected] Follow News Ghana on Google News

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here