HIV and young people: Time to
walk the talk
The past 30 years have been
marked by enormous efforts at all levels around the world to stop the spread of
AIDS and prevent its transmission. Nevertheless, AIDS continues to wreak havoc.
In 2011, worldwide, 2.5 million people were newly infected with HIV, more than
2400 daily new infections were recorded among young people aged between 15 to
24 years.
According to a research conducted by UNAIDS, youth represent more than 40% of
adults living with HIV in the world. Only 24% of women and 36% of young in
middle and low income countries master correct knowledge on Aids and reject
misconceptions about its transmission.
Generally ignorance,
misconceptions, taboos, social barriers, gender inequalities and lack of access
to quality information, are the huge obstacles impeding young people making
them the vulnerable ones and exposing them to great risk of HIV infection. It
must be stated here that youths already infected with HIV also face huge
obstacles among which include stigma and discrimination consequently making it
difficult if not impossible for them to have access to the basic sexual and reproductive
health information, services and rights.
In fact, young people’s
knowledge on Aids is not covering the main and correct information they need to
know to avoid risky behaviors and undertake the necessary measures to protect
themselves. There is an urgent need to intensify outreach activities, peer
education, innovate the communication tools and strengthen dialogue for
behavior change with emphasis on the need for young people to be accountable
when it comes to their personal choices regarding their sexual and reproductive
health.
Social taboos especially among
families and education structures remain high. Young people are raising up
their voices today, there is a loud cry for a change. This new generation is
willing to learn, to discuss and seeking to be informed. It is time to dispel
these taboos and
set up HIV programs of universal proportions accessible to all and respect of
human rights.
Furthermore we need to
strengthen knowledge about HIV among youth and set clear, concise,
participatory and accountable interventions.
Young people, now feel
concerned by the epidemic and are demanding to be involved in policies as well
as in the decision making process; they want the front row seat.
The alarming numbers of
infections among young people are alarming and need to push communities,
leaders, institutions and all stakeholders to orient and rethink their strategies
vis à vis AIDS campaign. To achieve this vital goal, it is cardinal to empower
youth leadership, give guidance and foster AIDS prevention measures among the
most vulnerable groups.
CrowdOutAIDS is so far the beginning of the
most inspiring and revolutionary strategy with and for youth but it is now time
to concretize it. It is time for countries, for organizations, for individuals
and for young people to ensure that all their recommendations come true. It is time
to walk the talk for a generation free from HIV, for no more AIDS related
deaths and for the fulfillment of a decent life where every person blossoms
within his rights.
By Zahra Benyahia
FPC Y-PEER Algeria
