Jenaya Rockman
4 October 2008
column
Arusha — One fifth of the Tanzanian population is between the ages of 15-24. These young women and men are the future of Tanzania, and their health and well-being must be a priority to achieve growth and prosperity for this country. However, it is clear from the statistics that there is a lack of education in health issues that affect youth. Due to this lack of education the future of the nation is in danger.
In Tanzania, 4 percent of women and 3 percent of men aged 15- 24 are HIV-positive and 60% of new infections every year are in this age group. Clearly, youth ARE infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Although awareness of HIV/AIDS is very high, (99% of people know of a disease called HIV/AIDS) only 50% have comprehensive knowledge. Only half of the population know the details about HIV such prevention, transmission, testing, and treatment. For example, only 73% of young women and 68% of young men can name the two key ways of preventing HIV: using condoms and being faithful. This leaves a lot of people without knowledge of how to protect themselves against infection; too many people when you consider this disease is life threatening.
An additional aspect of HIV prevention is voluntary counseling and testing (VCT). VCT can empower young people to protect themselves and others. However, only 11% of Tanzanian youth have ever been tested. Only one tenth of the population most at risk is aware of whether they could pass the disease on to someone else. This poses a serious risk to curtailing the spread of HIV.
HIV/AIDS prevention is not the only area in which youth are lacking knowledge. Only 45% of youth have received instruction in reproductive health. Youth are not educated in how their bodies change, how to take charge of their own healthcare, or how to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Only 36% of unmarried young women who are sexually active are using birth control. This may contribute to the fact that half of women under the age of 19 are pregnant or are already mothers. It is well known that in Tanzania when a young girl becomes pregnant she risks losing the opportunity for education, may have problems finding a husband in the future, and may not be able to obtain employment. It is also known that the father of the child may suffer few, if any, consequences. This greatly contributes to the inequality of women and therefore the inability of them to take charge of their futures.
However, knowledge is clearly not enough to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. Although 73% of young women know that condoms can prevent HIV, only 37% say they used a condom the last time they had sex. Although 96% of young women are aware of a method of birth control, only 36% who are sexually active are using one of these methods. It is clear to see the disconnect between knowledge and behavior. Young people not only need education but also need to be equipped with tools to bridge this gap. Communication skills, relationship skills, goal setting, resisting peer pressure, decision making, and empowerment are just some of skills young people need in order transform knowledge into healthy behavior. With knowledge and skills President Kikwete could be right "Vijana wa Tanzania bila UKIMWI inawezekana!"
This ongoing column is going to address knowledge, life skills, cultural issues, questions, and myths to make an attempt to bridge this gap and empower youth to live healthy lives, and show that it is possible to alter the future of the epidemic.
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