The Youth Advocacy on Rights and Opportunities (YARO), a non-governmental organisation has supported the National Service Secretariat in the Northern Region with about 14,800 pieces of the male condom and 1000 pieces of female condoms to help in the fight against HIV in the region.

Even though the Northern Region has a low prevalence rate, the YARO believes that authorities should not rest on their oars.

Presenting the items, Executive Director of YARO Douri Bennin Hajei said it is their hope that these condoms would be distributed to the service personnel especially those who have been posted to distant communities.

He said the gesture is to create awareness amongst service personnel about the need for safe sex if they cannot abstain.

Mr Bennin Hajie added that in some of these communities it is sometimes difficult to get condoms to buy which makes it necessary for this support.

“In these communities, it doesn’t mean because condoms are not there sexual acts do not take place and so we need to support in this regard” he added. 

Mr Bennin Hajie said YARO’s goal is to help reduce HIV prevalence among the youth, adding, that as part of their programme for the year and in the wake of high numbers of new prevalence figures, YARO wants to collaborate with the National Service Secretariat in the region to ensure that young personnel who are on the field protect themselves against HIV infections.  

He said it is a, drive which all must come on board to fight to ensure the country reduces HIV to the barest figure.  

Mr. Bennin Hajie said YARO decided to deal with the National service persons because they are the core group of people in transition and who have just completed school and are posted to various communities across the country.

He said these people play a critical role in the country’s human resource and communities they serve, adding, that they are also the most active group of people.