Youth in Kiambu sub-county have been urged to abstain from early sex to avoid pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Infections including the deadly HIV/Aids.
Speaking in her office in Kiambu town on Tuesday, sub-county Youth Officer Charity Githinji said the rate at which school girls were getting pregnant in the sub-county was worrying.
“Many young people are engaging in pre-marital sex hence, exposing them to high risks of contracting STIs including HIV/Aids. The number of pregnant girls is swelling day in day out,” she said.
Githinji noted that the vice has seen teenage girls drop out of school after conceiving, a situation which shatters their dreams.
The officer said the situation is worsening in the region, especially in Kiambu town where prostitution is said to be rampant.
She called on stakeholders to engage in campaigns against pre-marital sex and sensitise the youth on the importance of abstinence.
“All leaders and relevant institutions need to join hands to support the campaign against premarital sex and advocate for abstinence among the young people,” said Githinji.
The officer reiterated it was high time society puts young people’s interest at heart.