drastically among the nation’s youths. They explained that earlier this year there were already signs that the number of STDs among the youths was on the rise. The youth counselors expressed grave concern over the fact that many youths who are not aware of the dangers of STDs become sexually active at a very young age. Youth Counselor Dwight Samuel told Times of Suriname that at the start of this year he realized that the situation has become alarming. In February a woman whose 15-year-old had contracted an STD visited his office. Samuel provided counseling to the woman and her daughter before referring her to other agencies for further treatment. In August the same woman contacted him to inform him that her daughter has run away from home before returning but that she had contracted another STD. Samuel explained that the woman is worried that her daughter might eventually get infected with HIV or another serious STD. After several talks with the doctor who provided medical treatment to the girl, it was revealed that the girl had sex with multiple partners. The woman pointed out that that made it difficult to find out who had given her the STD. Samuel pointed out that “this is an example of the situations that are often presented to youth counselors.

The youth counselors explained that the dangers of unsafe sex must be explained to the nation’s youths starting at the primary schools. They have received reports that indicate that some youths attend parties where they use drugs. “The youths often do not use condooms and these sexual activities are often recorded before the footage is shared which causes additional problems and risks.” The youth counselors urge the government, schools and parents to give sex education and to inform the youths about HIV and STDs. “When you are sexually active, you must always use a comdom. Do not let anybody tell you that he or she is allergic to condooms. You must always protect yourself,” said the youth counselors.