Sunday Mail Reporter

Health Advisor in the Office of the President and Cabinet Dr Timothy Stamps has urged youths to abstain

from premarital sex,saying absti­nence is an effective tool in the fight against HIV and Aids.

Speaking at the end of a virginity testing exercise at Guta raMwari (GRM) church in Harare yesterday, Dr Stamps said virginity testing was commendable as it promoted self-respect.
He also lauded the church for pre­serving the practice.

“The HIV and Aids pandemic can only be abolished 100 percent by abstinence. Seasonal virginity testing is not a 60 percent way of preventing HIV and Aids, but 100 percent proven way as it promotes self-preser­vation that promotes sexual inter­course to happen after one is married and with only one partner for life,” said Dr Stamps, who is a former Health and Child Welfare minister.
“It is refreshing to know that preservation of culture is still preva­lent in Zimbabwe and I commend this initiative.

“I encourage the youth of Zim­babwe to practise abstinence and encourage them to bear in mind that abstinence does not benefit themselves only but their families as well.
“Just imagine the joy and pride associated in parents having the pleasure to receive mombe yechimanda during the traditional customary marriage ceremony.”

Speaking at the same occasion, GRM spokesperson Evangelist Gift Makawa said many youths were pass­ing the virginity tests each year.
“It is encouraging to know that Government supports our initiative and I hope the youth take heed of his (Dr Stamps’) words.

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“It is of great pleasure that more youths are passing the tests each year as this year over 50 youths, both male and female, passed compared to last year’s 40.”
GRM virginity tests are conducted in August every year.

Youths between the ages of 13 years to the early 20s are eligible for the vol­untary exercise, which is overseen by church elders. Yesterday’s ceremony coincided with a health awareness campaign that included free cancer, blood pressure and diabetes testing.