UNITE FOR CHILDREN UNITE AGAINST AIDS

October 1, 2008

Innovative Programs for Youth Interventions

Dear friends,

According to Rwanda’s Demographic Health Survey (2005), the country’s HIV prevalence in the population aged between 15 and 49 years is estimated at 3% overall. In urban areas, HIV prevalence is 3.3 times higher than that in rural areas (2.2% rural versus 7.3% urban) and amongst our female population, it is higher (3.6%) than that of the male population (2.3%).

These figures reflect the level of high-risk sexual behavior as well as gender inequalities amongst our young, sexually active population. Heterosexual intercourse is the major cause of HIV transmission in Rwanda. The age disaggregated data further emphasizes the great need to focus on young people and particularly on girls in the fight against HIV and AlDS, especially when considering that the majority of the population is young. Young people, especially girls, are the ones carrying the greatest burden of the epidemic. The prevalence of HIV in the age group of the 10-24 years in girls is most striking: for every 1 boy there are 5 girls who are HIV-positive.

It is clear that the prevention interventions of HIV and AIDS in Rwanda should mainly focus on young people. They should include a strong programme communication for behavior change as well as a supportive environment for a positive behavior. These prevention interventions should also assess good practices, address gender and cultural issues that relate to HIV and AIDS. 

UNICEF is working with various partners to support innovative programmes for youth interventions that focus on primary prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among young people both in urban and rural areas. These programmes are specially designed for young people, especially girls, through sports, cultural activities and literacy support. UNICEF works with the government at a national and local level to build a national response to HIV and AIDS.

In my recent visit to the West of the country, I met with five young girls and boys who lived on the streets before this programme started. Thanks to the programme, they have received vocational training and are helping support themselves as well as their family. Skills and safe employment are very crucial to young people. Sifa, one of the girls I met, is a 15 years old orphan. Before she joined the programme, she was selling herself on the street. Her mother died of AIDS and she was very scared that she would be HIV-positive given her past life on the street. But when she tested for HIV, she found out that she was negative. Today her message is clear. “Young people need support and protection,” she says.  Prevention among young people is very strategic to ensure that future generations are HIV free.  With your support, we can help save our nation from this epidemic and build a future where HIV is not present. Let us protect our children and give them a better chance in life.