Experts call for more interventions to fight HIV/AIDs in adolescents

As Rwanda grapples to fast track targets to end HIV/AIDS, health experts have advised that on top of the current interventions, the use of condoms among the young generation should be encouraged. Speaking yesterday, ahead of the World AIDS day, Dr Placide Mugwaneza the Ag. Head of the HIV unit at Rwanda Biomedical Center told The New Times that despite interventions in place, using condoms still remains a contentious issue within the society. “HIV campaigns that target the youths such as testing, circumcision and counseling to effect behavioural change are ongoing and well accepted but condom use among the young generation remains a difficult strategy for society to fully adopt,” Mugwaneza said. “ We may not put them in schools but those who insist that they need them should have access. Today during the commemoration, we shall be distributing a number of condoms on voluntary basis,” He added. Currently, the prevalence of HIV in Rwanda is 3 per cent and a recent survey shows that 83 per cent of people with the disease are on treatment inspite of adolescents exhibiting poor medical adherence within this group. According to the Rwanda youth Statistical indicators, 38 per cent of the population are youths and the most sexually active group. Distribution of condoms RBC distributes over 20 million condoms in high-risk populations and groups but other members of the civil society participate in such health promotion activities. According to Manaseh Wandera, the Executive Director, Society For Family Health Rwanda, a civil society organisation, so far 16million condoms have been distributed. “These condoms not only reduce the risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, they also prevent unwanted pregnancies,” Wandera said. Asked on the possibility of distributing condoms in schools, Wandera maintained that the strategy would be useful but misplaced. Instead abstinence should be key. “The best way to prevent contracting HIV is abstinence, that should be known to the youth. Condoms should be used as a last resort and since we teach education values in schools, they should not be mixed with such sexual perceptions,” he added. Today, the World Health Organisation, plans to launch new recommendations that include innovative HIV testing methods; customising treatment approaches to meet the full diversity of people’s needs with a wider spectrum of prevention options.

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Experts call for more interventions to fight HIV/AIDs in adolescents