Monasch CR, Henderson L, Bull N, Lewnes A; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. ThPeG8360.

UNICEF, New York, United States

ISSUES: Two major goals of the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS, UN Special Session on AIDS are related to young people (YP). 1-Reducing HIV prevalence among YP by 25%...by 2005...; 2-By 2005, 90% of YP, 15-24, have information, education...skills to reduce their vulnerability to HIV. Most data collected relates to 1st goal. To get a better assessment of the 2nd goal and prepare a baseline UNICEF included an AIDS module in it's Multiple-Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS). MICS, was developed to collect data in 60+ countries in 2000/1 where no Demographic Health Survey (DHS) had been implemented. DESCRIPTION: Using the UNAIDS guidelines on M&E of NAP a questionnaire was developed for MICS. Other nationally representative, pop-based surveys such as DHS & CDC-RHS have started to utilise the same questions. Combining the data from the different survey tools provides stats for 85 countries, representing 80% of YP in developing world (excl. China). LESSONS LEARNED: After 15 years of programming ignorance remains pervasive among YP, many do not know how to protect themselves. The majority of YP have heard of AIDS, however in-depth questions demonstrate that YP do not have adequate knowledge/understanding about the disease. For example, more than 50% of girls (15-19) in SSA do not know that a healthy-looking person can have the AIDS virus. The majority of YP have serious misconceptions. The presentation will provide detailed statistics by country and region on knowledge, misconceptions, stigma & testing. RECOMMENDATION: Half of all new infections are among 15-24. YP also offer the greatest hope for turning the tide. Programmes which deliver IEC & skills building must start early, be on-going and more effective to reach each new cohort of YP as they join the age group. There are currently 1.2 billion 10-19 year olds in the world of which 1 billion (90%) need to be reached as they will be the 15-24 year olds in 2005.[Image not included]

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• China
• Demography
• Female
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Health Surveys
• Knowledge
• Prevalence
• Research
• United Nations

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0016460

UI: 102253958

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