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Abstract
Catalytic Projects in the HIV/AIDS Response in Zambia
E T Serlemitsos
JHU/CCP, Baltimore, United States
Issues: Sexual activity is high and risk perception is very low among Zambian youth. 64% of 15-19 year old girls and 70% of boys think they are at no risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. Although government and NGOs have been implementing awareness campaigns specifically for young people, it has become apparent that there is still not sufficient behavior change among youth. Description: In the mid 1990s Zambian youth realized that the only way to solve this problem was to do something for themselves and their peers. Two NGOs emerged: Youth Media (YM) and Youth Activists Organisation (YAO). Both were formed by high school students; young people with a concern for the future. YM proposed the production of a monthly sexual and reproductive health (SRH) newspaper called Trendsetters. Now, five years and 600,000 copies later, YM is an established institution. YAO demonstrates similar success. Their SRH activities focus on school, church and communities. YAO and YM have created opportunities for other youth groups through their example and have catalyzed institutional and individual change. Additionally, several youth centers and two new youth NGOs are now well functioning as a result. Lessons Learned: Youth understand best what their needs are and how they should be addressed. They can encourage their peers most effectively. By knowing what will have optimal impact, youth-led NGOs can catalyze young people in all areas, personally and programmatically. They also serve to advocate for youth-centered programs in government and other institutions. Recommendations: To make youth programs even more successful, youth need to strengthen their skills in management, budgeting, finance, and report writing. This is easy as youth are generally eager to learn. Youth also need financial resources and sustained emotional support to be successful. Youth-led efforts can translate into better youth-focused programming in both NGOs and government and must be promoted.
The XIV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
ThPeF8089
Suggested Citation
" E T Serlemitsos ,
Catalytic Projects in the HIV/AIDS Response in Zambia
.
Poster Exhibition:
The XIV International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
ThPeF8089"
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