By Natasha Justin and Rumbidzai Zijena

The infanticide case of a first year student Thelma Rumbidzai Mupatsi at Chinhoyi University of Technology is an indication of numerous social economic challenges faced by students in tertiary institutions local health organisations have said.

The issue of grants (government funds assisting students in paying tuition and residence at schools has been to the detriment of the lives of many young people as they can barely afford to pay tuition talk less of clothing and eating.

The sexual reproductive health of many university students is being compromised as the young girls are engaging in inter-generational relationships, using their bodies to get money from sugar daddies for survival. This appears to be the case with Rumbidzai Mupatsi (19) who was impregnated by an old man of (49) and could not keep the child because of her economic and social predicament

“A young person in an intergenerational relationship is not in control due to the age differences, the older person (be it man or woman) will dictate how the relationship should pan out” said Tariro-Makanga Chikumbirike, Head Communications and Knowledge Management at (SAfAIDS).

“The young person often find it difficult to negotiate for safe sex which in turn leads to unwanted pregnancies, STIs and HIV infections resulting in drop outs and deterioration in studies”, added Makanga.

Rumbidzai Mupatsi who is reportedly not attending classes at the moment may have no plans to return

A girl child who has fallen short of societal expectations cannot rise up and ask for help from fear of being judged.

SAYWHAT (an organization that advocates for sexual and reproductive health and rights of students) says, “We call upon parents to prioritize non-judgmental communication with their children, as counseling and orientation services offered by tertiary institutions must only be there to complement efforts by the family”.