The first and Second Quarter of the HIV and Gender Based Violence (GBV)report has shown a disturbing rise in teenage pregnancy, child marriage, gender-based violence and HIV infection in adolescent girls in Sioma District
It was reported that about 556 adolescent were recorded to have been impregnated and had traces of HIV with 8% of the cases been GBV and of sexual violence.
Stakeholders drawn from various departments such as District Administration Office, Department of Social Welfare, Community Development, Zambia Police Service –VSU, DAPP, ICAP, Local Authority, Culture and Members of the Community.
The Government Departments came together, to look at how best to avert the growing threat of HIV and Gender Based Violence in the District.
Speaking during the meeting Mr. Goodhope Kaputo District Community Development Officer and acting District Administrative Officer sternly warned that he was not going to tolerant any civil servant involved in any act of GBV and adolescents abuse.
Mr. Kaputo said the number showed that there was abuse of children in the district.
He said it was worrisome that within two quarter of the year the number of adolescent pregnancy had reached 556.
He said Gender inequality and gender-based violence were critical barriers to reaching HIV epidemic control.
The Stakeholder recommended that bars and clubs be regulated in the district especially on allowing young patrons and operating hours.
It was recommended that traditional leaders be brought on board on matters affecting the community especially earlier marriages and adolescent pregnancies.
It was further, recommended that child protect unit should be reverted so that patrons could be conduct to ensure the protection of the children against GBV.
