Young people around the world are not receiving clear messages or support to use condoms to prevent HIV infection. Health experts and youth organizations have pointed to inadequate sex education and stigma facing young people who are sexually active as factors in rising rates of sexually transmitted infections among adolescents.
When used consistently and correctly, latex condoms are highly effective in preventing the sexual transmission of HIV. They are also effective in preventing pregnancy and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and lower women’s risk of developing cervical cancer. But in many countries, these messages are simply not getting through to young people.
Lack of sex education
AIDS prevention measure has been left out especially among the youth, besides the the efforts to minimize the spread. Sex education is not the order of the day in some countries. Youths are sexually active and, at the same time, they do not know how to go about it safely. This leads to unwanted pregnancies, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Opposition to condoms
Qualitative research in rural Western Kenya, on the attitudes of different segments of society towards youth condom use, found that about half of community members strongly opposed youth condom use, with many advocating punishment such as beatings and expulsion. The research revealed significant differences in attitudes by gender, with females generally more opposed to youth condom use.
These attitudes are not limited to African countries.
Young people and sexual health rights
Lack of knowledge among adolescents not just about condoms, but also wider sexual and reproductive health issues and how to access services remains a huge barrier to preventing new HIV infections and other STIs, as well as unwanted pregnancies.
Link up is a project led by the International HIV/AIDS Alliance with a consortium of partners, which is improving the sexual and reproductive health and rights of one million young people affected by HIV in Bangladesh, Burundi, Ethiopia, Myanmar and Uganda.
Young people account for 40 per cent of all new HIV infections and the project recognizes the urgent need to prioritize and involve young people in efforts to tackle HIV.
Condom advocacy
Young people themselves are increasingly demanding better sex education. An end to AIDS is possible by supporting young people along this path.