Kigali, November 16-The Executive Secretary of the National Aids Control Commission (CNLS), Dr. Anita Asiimwe has urged youth to stand firm and say no to sexual advances from adults commonly referred to as ‘sugar mummies’ and ‘sugar daddies.’

“I have heard that other young girls are lured with simple gifts…why should you accept that,” she said to an audience of mainly youth at Kigali Serena Hotel on Monday. Dr Anita Asiimwe was speaking at the 5th pediatric conference on the theme: “Cross-generation sex and the challenges for HIV prevention among youth and adolescents in Rwanda”. She urged youth participants to educate their peers on dangers of cross-generation sex, adding that children should instead focus on their future.

Earlier, children through drama had decried the rate at which the adults lure them into sex which exposes them to HIV infection. “Unlike in the past, nowadays children are afraid to receive gifts from adults fearing there is something wanted in return,’ they said, “We are not for sale!”
The play also highlighted the need for children to be cautious.

On her part, the UNICEF deputy representative in Rwanda, Dr. Jane Muita decried the rate at which some elders have abdicated their parental role in society. Dr. Muita urged children to be forward looking and focus on their goals. Children, she added, should live responsible lives and establish close relationship with their parents for purposes of receiving guidance.