Medics have prioritized the safe use of female and male condoms by the youth as a way of reducing unexpected pregnancies. Doctors explain that condoms give dual protection to the person from both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

According to Dr Elly Mugabi from the Makerere Joint Aids Project (MJAP), condoms are the safest family planning method anyone can use because they offer double edged protection.

"You can beat two birds with one stone. Condoms protect us from HIV and STDs and also having babies when we are not ready for," Mugabi explained.

Dr Sam Mwanje from Profam explains that condoms can help the youth to reduce cases of abortion especially in university students.

"Sex is very enjoyable if protected but very dangerous if not protected. It is like fire, it can be helpful and even harmful," Mwanje adds, warning that abortion can lead to damages on the uterus causing permanent infertility in women.

Doctor Mwanje insists that not all family planning methods are suitable for young girls.

Dr Racheal Namata from Profam advices that female students should carry condoms on them all the time and not wait for their partners to take the responsibility.

"Girls always carry a condom whether male or a female... Don't wait for men thinking that they have them because they don't. She also adds that condoms are less prone to negative effects like cancer and infertility as compared to pills.

This was part of the support given to students of Makerere university during the Makerere health week where free medical services are being offered to students. Services available in the health camp include free eye checkups, cervical cancer tests, HIV testing, installation of IUDs, among others.

The health week which started this week on Tuesday, 16, October, 2018 is organized by the 84^th guild cabinet through the ministry of health. The program will last for four days and ends on Friday 19, Oct, 2018.