Governments Of Lesotho And Japan, And UNICEF And Young People Join Hands To Prevent HIV Among Teens

Main Category: HIV / AIDS
Also Included In: Aid / Disasters;  Sexual Health / STDs
Article Date: 16 Feb 2009 - 3:00 PDT

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Representatives from the Government of Lesotho, Government of Japan, UNICEF and young people, converged today in Berea, 40 Km from the capital Maseru, in support of HIV prevention interventions among adolescents and young people.

As part of a Japanese funded US 1.5 Million programme entitled "It's my choice, it's my life" the Ministry of Gender Youth Sports and Recreation (MOGYSR), the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW), UNICEF and young people are partnering to strengthen HIV prevention interventions focusing on this particularly vulnerable age group.

The MOHSW and the MGYSR, received IT, medical, sports and recreational supplies to equip 7 Youth Resource Centres and 23 Adolescent Friendly Health Corners.

"The equipment is intended to promote a supportive environment for young people and ultimately encourage healthy practices and behaviours with respect to HIV prevention and Sexual and Reproductive Health" said Aichatou Diawara-Flambert, UNICEF Lesotho Representative. "It is part of a comprehensive programme to increase HIV and AIDS knowledge among young people; capacitate service providers for quality adolescent friendly services and support a protective environment at family and community level" she said.

"Lesotho has an alarming rate of mortality among adolescents due to complications of pregnancy, child birth, unsafe abortions, sexual abuse, substance abuse and STIs including HIV. These are compounded by unhealthy lifestyles, risky behaviours, early marriages, peer pressure and inadequate parental guidance on issues of reproductive health" stated Dr. Mokobocho Mohlakoana, Principal Secretary of the MOHSW.

Youth Resource Centres and Adolescent Friendly Health Corners were established to address the sexual and reproductive health and HIV prevention needs of young people. Adolescent Health Corners provide health related services, such as STI treatment, antenatal care, post natal care, HIV Testing and Counseling (HTC), and other medical services to adolescents (aged 10 -19). Youth Centres provide social services such as recreational activities, entrepreneurship development, HTC, information and life skills on HIV prevention to youth aged 15 - 35.

"Prevention of HIV among young people and adolescents is one of the priority areas for the Government of Japan, in supporting the Kingdom of Lesotho. The Government of Japan is committed to keep its promise and double its efforts to fight the HIV pandemic and save our young people" said Mr. Takayuki Miyashita, Charge D'Affaires of the Embassy of Japan.

HIV prevention among young people and their active participation and empowerment in prevention programmes took centre stage. Rethabile, a vocal 12 year old girl, who lost her father at the tender age of 9 years, reaffirmed the importance of youth centres as a platform for young people's voices to be heard.

"At the youth centre I meet other young people and we talk about our experiences and views on HIV and AIDS" she said, "I am scared of HIV because it is killing our families and leaving many orphans alone. At the centre I am learning not to be shy and to speak my mind so people take me seriously when I talk about HIV" she added.

It is expected that these supplies will attract more young people to the centers consequently making the services more accessible and utilized. Increased access and utilization of services like HTC and sexual and reproductive health, will ultimately lead to increased knowledge and skills and provide an enabling environment for young people to come together, discuss and adopt positive behaviours.

"We believe knowledge is power and empowered young people are the gateway to HIV prevention" concluded Mrs. Mathabiso Lepono, Minister of Gender Youth Sports and Recreation.

About UNICEF

UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

Source
Clelia Barbadoro
Communication Officer
UNICEF Lesotho
http://www.unicef.org

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