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Youth most affected by HIV/AIDS
The youth have been encouraged to accelerate their campaign of youth against HIV/AIDS to sensitise those who are still
ignorant.
Addressing Francistown youth on March 22, Industrial Court judge Key Dingake said the youth were the most affected by
the pandemic.
Dingake was the guest speaker during this year's Month of Youth Against AIDS, whose theme was "Support the promotion
of adolescent sexual reproductive health the number one strategy to prevention of HIV/AIDS". He said about 20 per cent
of the youth were not using contraceptives, which put them more at risk of being infected by HIV, sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs) and unplanned pregnancies.
Dingake regretted that even though President Festus Mogae launched the campaign against AIDS a long time ago, the youth
were still dying at a high rate. He said AIDS was a threat to development because it was killing the most active group, who
were also the country's future leaders.
Dingake appealed to parents and church leaders to end their apathy towards HIV/AIDS related issues and teach their children
about the dangers of the disease, discouraging them from indulging in sexual relationships at an early age.
Explaining the objectives of the day, AYA project technical officer Mpho Moruakgomo said the Month of Youth Against AIDS,
was a time to "analyse, recognise, inform and encourage the youth on fight against the pandemic".
Reverend Moruakgomo said if the youth were not taught and corrected on HIV/AIDS issues Botswana might experience a leadership
crisis in future.
Moruakgomo also appealed to church leaders to be open in teaching the youth about the pandemic. He condemned parents who
sexually abuse the youth, which exposed their victims to infection.
Youth at High Risk
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