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Abstract
The youth and HIV/AIDS
E. Akapo
Background:
Over half of all new infections worldwide each year are among young people between the ages of 15 and 25. Everyday, more than 5,000 young people are infected with HIV-more than five a minute. The fact remains that the youth are the most vulnerable to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. In view of this high vulnerability and prevalence rate among the youth, they (the youth), as an integral partner in combating HIV and AIDS epidemic, should be carried along in every effort geared towards mitigating the impact of the pandemic.
Description:
In many societies, there is a refusal to admit that young people may be responsible and autonomous in their choices, acts and actions. As such, discussion with them on many subjects, including on HIV/AIDS, is taboo. Part of the reason for the silence is that the disease is generally perceived as being sexually derived given some of the factors/practices that are so often associated with its spread. These include sexual promiscuity, homosexuality, inequity in gender relations (including forced marriages) and prostitution. The taboo on these subjects therefore tends to be extended to HIV/AIDS and this precludes all discussions of the disease, even within the context of non-sexual, yet equally legitimate, causes of the disease – through blood transfusions, the use of drugs and mother to child transmission (during pregnancy) for example. Evidence shows that young people are particularly susceptible to HIV infection and that they can become victims of the disease through any one of the above-mentioned potential causes.
Recommendations:
1. The government, donors and development partners should institutionalize capacity building for the youth on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights(SRH) and HIV/AIDS.
2. Fewer than 5% of young people living with HIV/AIDS have access to live-saving treatment and care. Hence, there is a need for more youth-friendly interventions, prevention, treatment and care facilities.
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
CDD0081
Suggested Citation
" E. Akapo
The youth and HIV/AIDS.
:
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
CDD0081"
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