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arguing the issue was not given due attention.

Giving a keynote address at the belated Provincial World Aids Day commemoration in Gutu last week, Mr Chikovo, who was the guest of honour, told hundreds of people gathered for the event that the debate on the distribution of condoms at schools ended  prematurely.

He said people just ended the debate without coming up with a solution, hence the need to re-engage stakeholders.

The theme of the commemorations and campaign was: “Getting to zero”.

“Earlier in the previous year there was a widespread debate over the issue of condom distribution at schools. I felt the debate ended prematurely before correct solutions could be proffered. There may be a need to re-engage on this matter and forge working solutions to the problem in our midst,” said Mr Chikovo.

The debate on distributing condoms at schools caused a stir among HIV and Aids service organisations, Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture and parents. Stakeholders remain divided on the matter amid revelations that there  is no provision for condom distribution under the Education Act.

Most critics argued that giving school children condoms would result in pupils being promiscuous.

The provincial Aids Action Committee chairperson, Mr Peter Vhoko, concurred with the PA and said it was no longer a secret that children were indulging in sexual activities hence the need for a collective dialogue with concerned  parties.

“It certainly needs a dialogue with both parties on how best we can address this issue because it’s no longer a secret that children are having sex,” said Mr Vhoko.