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Thandeka Moyo-Ndlovu, Senior Health Reporter
THE festive season is often associated with reckless behaviour and experts have called on members of the public to avoid behaviour which may fuel murder, unwanted pregnancies or a spike in sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The festive season stretches from December 15 to January 15.
Statistics show that reported cases of STIs and sexual abuse cases are highest during the last quarter of the year as people engage in festivities which often blur their judgment.

With parties and beer binges, teenagers often find themselves at the mercy of the wise waters and eventually engage in risky sexual behaviour, which may lead to unwanted pregnancies and transmission of STIs.

The festive season also brings reunion of couples as some partners live outside Zimbabwe but these often breed violence associated with rumours of infidelity.

On the other hand, a festive mood leads people to overspend on food, clothes, travelling and drinks only to bemoan the ruthlessness of January disease which is a creation of those who are financially illiterate.

The National Aids Council communications officer Ms Tadiwa Pfupa urged members of the public to be cautious and avoid risky behaviour that may end in tears.

“The National Aids Council has noted that statistics on STIs are usually high in the fourth quarter of most years. This can be attributed to irresponsible merry-making during the festive season. People should celebrate responsibly,” said Ms Pfupa.

“Intoxication can lead to reckless behaviour, forgetting to take medication or one can be taken advantage of while in a stupor.

We continue to encourage abstinence, being faithful to one partner and should the need to engage in sex arise, people must use condoms correctly.”

Bulawayo police acting spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said police will be on high alert to ensure that residents comply with the law.

“As police, we encourage them not to drink. They must adhere to all road rules to avoid accidents which often lead to loss of life. We also note with concern that merry-making sometimes leads to fights and even murders hence members of the public should maintain peace even when they are drunk,” said Asst Insp Msebele.

“We will be carrying out stop and searches for substances like dangerous weapons which include knives, machetes and guns to ensure lives are preserved. Those operating beer outlets should adhere to provisions in their licences as we will be carrying out massive patrols to ensure there is order. We cannot continue losing lives due to risky behaviours hence we call on residents to be on their best behaviour even during the festive season.”

Financial expert Mr Brett Chulu said people have to adopt a delayed gratification model when it comes to finances to avert challenges.

He said people should be merry, but also set aside some funds for fees and other important things before spending on fun.

“Happiness is fine but we should have limits, especially on how we spend. I encourage members of the public to be careful on how they spend their money as they should at least set aside money for school fees, mind you January is just two weeks away,” said Mr Chulu.

“The issue of clothes also comes into play; we should learn to buy new clothes well in time so that we get the best deals. We all know that the best time to buy winter clothes is not during winter but after winter as demand will be low, hence better prices. I also encourage parents and guardians to buy school uniforms and stationery now when demand is low so that come January no one claims things are tough, we can all apply basic financial literacy to get better results.”

Local health expert Professor Solwayo Ngwenya said merry-making during the festive season often leads to people, especially youths, engaging in risky sexual behaviours.

He said these are fuelling sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies.

“Some will fall pregnant in the process and this becomes problematic because teenage pregnancies lead to life threatening complications including foetal and maternal deaths. The future of our youths is bright but can be easily marred by one silly mistake, especially during festive season,” he said.

“Those who will decide to engage should use condoms so that they prevent infections and unwanted pregnancies which end up burdening our public health system. We also remind people to be vigilant in terms of Covid-19, we do not look forward to a spike in infections or deaths during the festive season.” — @thamamoe