Today 1 December 2009 marks the 21st anniversary of World AIDS Day and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) joins the world in marking this symbolic day.
In line with the South African theme: ‘I am responsible, We are responsible, South Africa is taking responsibility’, the NYDA makes a special call to all young people to make a meaningful contribution to stop the spread of AIDS by testing and knowing their status. The NYDA views such a step as important in ensuring that young people as the lifeblood of communities make informed choices.
The United Nations 2008 global report on the HIV and AIDS epidemic which reports that South Africa has the highest number of people infected globally, estimated at around 5,7 million, is cause for serious concern. It is equally unacceptable that women continue to face a greater risk of HIV infection where on average three women are infected with HIV for every two men. The difference becoming greatest in age groups 15 to 24, where three young women for every one young man are infected.
Renewed government commitments including the national strategic plan (NSP) for South Africa 2007 to 2011 whose key objectives include to halve new HIV infections by 2011 and ensure that 80 percent of people living with HIV have access to treatment are commendable. To achieve these objectives will require collective efforts and a drastic change of mindset that include regularly testing, young people delaying having sex for the first time, those who are active to at all time stick to one partner and correctly use a condom. Furthermore a lot of awareness is required to dispel the stigma associated with the virus, as it can lead to delayed testing and denial.
“Young people are the future of our country; as such the choices they make today will have a bearing in the future. As such making informed choices about preventing unwanted pregnancies and HIV infection is paramount,” says NYDA Board Executive Chairperson, Andile Lungisa.
In-line with the global theme of ‘Universal Access and Human Rights’, the South African healthcare system ought to be more accessible and more user friendly to young people. The National Youth policy recognises the importance of increasing youth friendly clinics and extending their reach particularly in rural areas.
“As the festive season approaches, let us be responsible and know that overindulging in alcohol increases your chances of having unprotected sex and being infected with HIV,” concludes Lungisa.
For information contact:
Siyabonga Magadla
Cell: 083 686 9016
Linda Mbongwa
Cell: 082 315 3217
Source: National Youth Development Agency
