By Azwidohwi Mamphiswana
As the world marks World AIDS Day 2024 with the theme Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right! , the spotlight falls on youth—one of the most affected and vulnerable groups in the global HIV response. Despite advancements in HIV prevention and treatment, young people aged 15–24 still account for 29% of new HIV infections globally, according to UNAIDS.
Statistics reveal a troubling trend: an estimated 1.5 million people globally were newly infected with HIV in 2023, with a significant proportion being youth. Factors like limited access to healthcare, stigma, lack of comprehensive sex education, and risky behaviours contribute to this alarming figure.
“Protecting human rights and ensuring equitable access to prevention and care is crucial for reducing new infections among young people,” Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS emphasised.
Despite the progress in making antiretroviral therapy widely available, societal barriers persist, with nearly half of surveyed populations in 42 countries still harbouring discriminatory attitudes toward people living with HIV.
Conversations with Youth
To gain insight into how youth perceive and respond to the challenges of HIV, Mukurukuru Media spoke with two young individuals.
Eva Maladji, a 22-year-old peer educator, shares: “The fear of judgment prevents many young people from seeking testing or using preventive measures like condoms. My role is to help create environments where they feel safe to ask questions and access resources.”
Maladji’s efforts focus on destigmatising HIV testing and promoting sexual health awareness on university campuses.
On the other hand, 24-year-old Thandeka Mthombeni, living with HIV since she was 19, highlights the need for compassion and understanding.
“Being diagnosed was devastating, but education and support helped me reclaim my life. Youth need to understand that HIV isn’t a death sentence—testing and treatment are lifesaving.”
Sexual Behaviour Trends
Youth behaviour trends reflect a mix of progress and ongoing challenges. While more young people are aware of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), misinformation and stigma continue to discourage open discussions. The rise of dating apps and casual relationships has also introduced new dynamics, making consistent condom use critical.
A recent survey from the Global AIDS Monitoring report found that although knowledge about HIV prevention is increasing, fewer than 50% of sexually active youth use condoms consistently. Programs like UNAIDS’ human rights-centered approach aim to address such gaps by promoting education and reducing barriers to accessing HIV services.
The Path Forward
UNAIDS envisions a future where stigma and discrimination no longer hinder progress in the fight against HIV. Efforts such as funding for marginalized communities, youth-led advocacy, and the integration of comprehensive sex education in schools are pivotal.
“This generation has the tools to end AIDS, but they need our support to lead the charge,” concludes a UNAIDS Executive Director.
As World AIDS Day serves as a reminder of the progress made and the work still ahead, young people remain the driving force of change. Their resilience, coupled with global efforts to uphold human rights and remove systemic barriers, holds the promise of an AIDS-free generation.
