AIDS Is No. 1 Killer of African Teenagers

As AIDS becomes the leading cause of death of adolescents in Africa, empowering youth – especially girls - to make safe life choices and avoid HIV is crucial. Credit: Mercedes SayaguesBy Sam OlukoyaLAGOS, Nigeria, Nov 21 2014 (IPS)Two years ago, Shola* was kicked out of the family house in Abeokuta, in southwestern Nigeria, after testing HIV-positive at age 13. He was living with his father, his stepmother and their seven children.“The stepmother insisted that Shola must go because he is likely to infect her children,” Tayo Akinpelu, programme director of Youth’s Future Savers Initiative, told IPS.SNAPSHOT: ADOLESCENTS WITH HIV IN TANZANIA In Tanzania, alarmingly, HIV prevalence has not decreased among adolescents aged 15-19 between 2007 and 2012. An estimated 165,000 adolescents live with HIV, of whom 97,000 girls and 68,000 boys. Some were born with HIV and others contracted it as children or teens. To better understand their needs, the Tanzania Commission for AIDS conducted a survey of HIV positive teenagers aged 15-19 in seven regions. Among its findings: • Four in ten were sexually active, mostly with a regular partner. • Just a little more than half reported using condoms at last sex. • A third reported they had experienced sexual violence. Few had discussed the abuse with friends or relatives or reported it to authorities. • Just over one-third were aware of family planning and child protection services The study urges delivering information abou...
Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health - Category: Global & Universal Authors: Tags: Africa Countdown to ZERO Development & Aid Headlines Health Population Poverty & MDGs Women's Health Adolescents AIDS ARV treatment death HIV Inequality Malawi Nigeria stigma Tanzania teenage girls. Source Type: news