Impact of hiv/aids on east african youth

HIV/AIDS is a pandemic that has affected all people, old and young, male and female, poor and rich, whether educated or not. The effects of HIV/AIDS are devastating on the individual, family, community, and the nation as well. In Uganda, HIV was first diagnosed in 1981 in Rakai district. It later spread to the rest of the country. As we know, there is no known cure. On a sorry note, studies have indicated that 30% of primary school children are already sexually active and have had sexual relationships. As we know, especially in Africa, HIV/AIDS is spread mostly through sex between men and women, boys and girls. There is also a growing practice of lesbianism and homosexuality in towns and some post primary institutions. This is another way of spreading HIV in east Africa. It is a serious situation in east Africa to the extent that children as young as 13 are being infected. Unless the youths change their sexual behaviour, East Africa’s future generation’s survival is in balance. Most people who die pre-maturely include students in tertiary institutions, secondary and primary, professionals, peasants, babies, religious leaders and politicians. This means the whole of our society is affected by AIDS. Then who will be saved? We must change our sexual behaviour now or else we shall perish. But if this trend continues, who are going to be fathers and mothers of tomorrow? Or professionals that east Africa needs so badly. A number of influential people like the Rwandan first lady, Mrs. Jeannette Kagame have done a great job in the fight against AIDS by calling for new leadership in the HIV/AIDS war. She was quoted during the 15th International conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (ICASA) on December-4th -2008 in Senegal saying, ”The new generation of leadership must be trained to strengthen their response to the HIV pandemic.” She also added that the role of governments is essential in fighting against the HIV pandemic. Therefore, all east African First ladies should come out and make a joint effort to fight HIV/AIDS as Jeannette Kagame. Ends