MYAA Campaigns Record Success In HIV Fight

MONKAGEDI GAOTLHOBOGWE
Staff Writer | Monday March 22, 2010 00:00

The survey conducted in May 2008 shows that under the 10-14 age group, HIV/AIDS prevalence has dropped to one percent. In the 15-19 years category, the prevalence rate tumbled from the 3.9 percent in a 2004 survey to an amazing 0.65 per cent.

This is the age group considered at high risk as the majority of them include college students, secondary school students, and Junior Secondary school drop outs, all of whom are under tremendous peer pressure. Progress has been achieved in the mature age category of the youth as well where the prevalence rate   dropped to 5.39 percent from 19 percent recorded in the 2004 survey.

This is the feeling of hope that characterised the day at Botlhapatlou in Kweneng District on Saturday as people came together to officially close the Month of Youth Against AIDS campaign (MYYA). In 2004 a survey carried out showed a grim picture where the prevalence rate among those aged 15-24 was 6.6 percent and 19 percent for those aged 25-29, while the 10-14 age group showed a 3.9 percent prevalence rate.

However a jubilant Botswana National Youth Council (BNYC) executive director, Fidelis Molao, cautioned the youth against being carried away as the fight was still ongoing, 'You should not adopt a care-free attitude thinking we have conquered the pandemic as there is need for a comprehensive effort for us as a nation to reach a zero infection rate', he challenged the multitudes.

March was identified as an HIV campaign month in 1997 and since that time vigorous MYAA campaigns have been held across the country in all districts, targeting young people.

As the statistics indicate the campaigns have paid dividends with BNYC forging partnerships with government departments, and various organizations for technical, financial and material support. Through the partnerships and funding, the BNYC has been able to establish adolescent sexual reproductive health centres, commonly known as youth centres in Gantsi, Tutume, Kachikau, Mahalapye, Kasane, Mosojane and Khakhea, while the rest of the BNYC districts also continues to mainstream HIV/AIDS in their youth programmes.

'This ultimately has contributed significantly to the acquisition of adolescent sexual reproductive health education that young people require in order to develop life planning skills which will help them plan and shape their future', Molao observed.

He said this year's MYAA theme campaign; 'Young, Gifted and Inspired', recognises that fact and challenges young people to draw from their strength and take cognisance of making the right decisions at the right time with the right partner as well as to adopt ways to avert the spread of HIV. 'This theme calls for the youth to be accountable for their actions in order to succeed in any field of choice'. Molao also warned the youth against channeling their youthful energy towards alcohol and substance abuse, commercial sex, intergenerational sex and multiple concurrent partners as these all provide a prime avenue for HIV/AIDS infections.