RWANDA IS on track to achieve Millennium Development Goal Six and virtual elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV by 2015, according to a report by Unicef released last week.However, the same report paints a gloomy picture of high prevalence rates among the youth globally. Aids-related deaths amongst adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 increased by 50 per cent between 2005 and 2012, rising from 71,000 to 110,000, in stark contrast to progress made in preventing mother-to-child transmission. There were 2.1 million adolescents living with HIV in 2012 in the world, according to the report. The report is an eye opener for the Rwandan youth and a reminder that they ought not to let down their guard. HIV/Aids has no cure and continues to particularly kill the youth who are the most vulnerable. Rwanda has a young population and there is need to enhance the already ongoing campaign to reverse this global trend among the youth. Already there are efforts at the national level but this should be supplemented by individual efforts to stamp out HIV/Aids in the country. As Rwanda joined the rest of the world to mark World Aids Day on Sunday, a new strategy to achieve an HIV/Aids-free nation with the main focus on prevention of new infections, especially among the youth, was rolled out. The youth are the most vulnerable to HIV/Aids infections, any efforts in fighting the virus in this category will go a long way in stamping it out. The Rwanda HIV/Aids National Strategic Plan 2013-2018, expected to cost up to Rwf600 billion, is a big leap towards achieving an HIV/Aids free generation. However, at the end of the day, eliminating HIV/Aids begins with you individually. The strategy will only be successful if each individual plays their part. The youth today have the capacity to create an HIV-free generation. They have all HIV information at their disposal. Every youth has a responsibility to avoid behavior that puts them at the risk of acquiring HIV.
