The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that HIV infects 50% of young generation between 15 and 24 years, which meant between 5000-6000 new infections every day across the world.
According to Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC); the same age group HIV prevalence is estimated to be at the rate of 1.0% which is relatively lower than many other countries.
This figure varies from 1.5% among women to 0.4% among men. This means that 380 women in this category are infected over every 100 men.
The updated statistics were released Monday 28, 2011 by RBC during a press briefing a head of three months World Aids Day campaign which will be launched on Dec. 1, this Thursday.
Speaking to the press, Dr. Anita Asiimwe the Deputy Director General of RBC said that according to the behavioral studies among youth in Rwanda, the proportion of young men and women aged 15-24 years who have had sex, the number increased from 34% to 39% among young men and from 20 to 26% among young women between the year 2006 and 2009 respectively.
The study show different factors as lack of knowledge about HIV/AIDS, lack of educating and life skills, poor access to health services and commodities, early sexual debut, early marriage, sexual coercion and violence.
Others include human trafficking and growing up without parents or other forms of protection from exploitation and abuse among others has been behind the cause.
Asiimwe said the number in Rwanda was still low compared to other countries in the region and that the government intends to reduce it more to zero point.
“Prevalence in the youth is low in Rwanda and we want to fight new infections to zero maximum,” Asiimwe said.
After the launch, the campaign will be done in different folds, sensitizing youth, in and outside the schools on comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS, and encouraging parent-child dialogue on sexual reproductive health.
Others will include empowering young girls and boys to negotiate safe sex, raise awareness for young people on HIV transmission and sex work, mobilizing the community to provide youth friendly services including availability and accessibility of condoms, carry out VCT activities targeting the youth and educating the general population on HIV prevention among others.
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