Youth given a voice at 21st International AIDS Conference

21 July 2016

The fourth day of the 21st International AIDS Conference afforded young people a platform to share their experiences, challenges and opinions with prominent activists, the world’s top scientists, researchers and policy makers.

The highlight of the day focused on addressing the role of youth as a game-changer towards an HIV free generation. In a session titled “Ending HIV with the voices of the youth”, prominent activists including Sir Elton John and Prince Harry called on the global community to give a voice to young people and prioritise empowerment of the adolescents. Young people were also encouraged to actively participate in various programme aiming to fight HIV and AIDS.

The session addressed the HIV epidemic among adolescents with a particular emphasis on how stigma and discrimination have negatively impacted young people.
A panel comprising youth from different countries gave their views on what could work to address the needs of the youth infected with and affected by HIV and AIDS.

Some studies presented at the conference,    estimated that 2 million adolescents are living with HIV worldwide and that Sub-Saharan Africa is the hardest hit.  Researchers also emphasised that HIV remains the leading cause of death among adolescents in Africa and second in the globe.

Other sessions highlighted that the prevalence of HIV and AIDS among women in the region are higher than anywhere else in the world. Studies indicated that without concerted efforts to address the epidemic among adolescents, particularly young women, winning the battle against HIV and AIDS pandemic will be impossible.

South Africa has the highest rate of infections among girls and young women. It was for this reason that government recently launched a three-year national HIV prevention campaign that aims to address this unacceptable reality.

Young people are at heightened risk of HIV as they are exposed to HIV risk factors such as poverty, lack of access to health services, sexual education, HIV information and increased risk of sexual exploitation.

Government calls on members of communities to join hands and play a pivotal part to empower young people with education, business and employment opportunities.

Tomorrow, Friday 22 July 2016 will mark the closing of the 21st International AIDS Conference and Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi will deliver closing address on behalf of South Africa.

Enquiries:
Nebo Legoabe
Cell: 082 453 2874

Issued by the Government Communication and Information Systems (GCIS)