In 2021,a total of1. 75 million teenagers were living with HIV infections worldwide. This is a worrying trend and we really need to find out what went wrong and how to correct it.
Leading factors that contribute to teenage HIV infections.
Most HIV infections in tenagers and college students occur through sex. The key population(sex workers, men who sleep with men, people who inject drugs and transgenders, not forgetting prisoners too) are very important in the transmission cycle.
There is alot of knowledge deficit among the youths concerning HIV/AIDS transmission. In Africa, culturally, it’s not accepted to openly talk to children about matters concerning sex. There needs to be health education on the importance of using protection to the sexual active teens and youths. We also need to educate them on the magement of HIV , medication.
PrEP– pre-exposure prophylaxis. This is taken by an HIV neg person to prevent HIV transmission from a HIV positive sexual partner or spouse. It is taken daily with an efficacy of upto 92%. The protection can be boosted by condom use. The drugs are also commonly taken by commercial sex workers.
PEP -post exposure prophylaxis is taken after one has been exposed. Incase you sleep with a HIV positive sexual partner or you’re in doubt of their status , this is the drugs you will be given. After exposure, it important to visit your health care provider as soon as possible, often before 72 hours.
As kids grow and get exposed to the environment,peer pressure is inevitable. The urge to try what your friend still you is often tempting .some sexual behaviours have led to the rise of the cases especially in colleges. Multiple sex partners,is almost always the norm,with most of them not using any form of protection. Availability and access of voluntary counselling and testing, health education in these institutions can greatly reduce the spread. The use of drugs among the youths always leads to clowded judgement about sex. These often lead to risky sexual behaviours such as unprotected sex, threesomes or more among others.
It is also worrying to note that we now have as young as 16 years old girls engaging in commercial sex. These are people who really need support, understanding and counselling. This often is caused by hard living/poverty.
It’s important also to note that HIV is also transmissible during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding therefore a HIV positive mother should always adhere to drugs and recommendations by the health care provider. Adherance is very key to suppress the viral load.
Its often a challenge to ensure Adherance to children, college students as they fight to accept their HIV status. The fear of having the other students see them take the meds is often scaring and overwhelming.
let’s support, educate, advice and most importantly, tell the truth about what they are exposing themselves into. Use of condoms, avoiding multiple sex partners is very important. Let’s work towards zero HIV infections for the youths. If you’re one and reading this, this should be your turning point, for the better.
Let’s be responsible. Have a nice time.
Metropolitan 