By Robert Andre Emmanuel
The government has raised concerns over reports of sexual abuse of young girls – coupled with widespread sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) – in the country.
This information emerged during this week’s Cabinet meeting attended by six officials from the Ministry of Social Transformation.
According to a ministry report, STDs risk affecting young mothers, leading to health complications in their babies, including autism and other mental health challenges. International studies have previously indicated that the herpes virus may be a trigger for autism, while other studies also point to a link between a mother’s exposure to STDs and schizophrenia in her child.
At Thursday’s post-Cabinet press briefing, Minister of Information Melford Nicholas addressed the issue, stating, “So the question we will have to ask as a society, what obligation is there on behalf of a doctor or anyone in the medical fraternity who are engaging with a child who has been molested or who has been subjected to that type of rape.”
Officials from the Ministry of Social Transformation had previously raised the subject at a recent crime forum organised by state media.
Social Services Director at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) Sequoyah Survia argued on Sunday that sexual education needs to become a part of the regular curriculum at schools to reduce teenage pregnancies.
The Cabinet agreed that more public education is also required to deter predatory behaviour, while acknowledging the need for increased resources for early childhood education and special needs education.
The government also says it is working to improve its investigative capabilities, including heightened scrutiny of social media platforms.
