Hermans I, Munyurangabo T, Ntaganira I, Rusimbi J; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 2000 Jul 9-14; 13: abstract no. MoOrD143.
I. Hermans, B.P. 445 KIGALI RWANDA, Kigali, Rwanda, Tel.: +(250) 769 060 830 19 98, Fax: +(250) 76263, E-mail: Ivan.hermans@undp.org
Issues: Rwanda youth are part of a society suffering from post-genocide trauma. Most of them have seen or underwent extreme violence before and during the 94 genocide. 4.2% of Rwanda youth 12-14 and 8,5% of rural 15-19 are infected with HIV/AIDS. Only 50% is in primary schools and only 12% of those in secondary schools. At present Rwanda is in the phase of security, reconstruction and hope. Developing youth programs is a priority in the PNLS MTP III. The UNAIDS Theme Group initiated a youth project to developing youth programs is a priority in the action plan for Rwanda Youth. Funding was Secured trough UNAIDS program development seed funding. Description: A youth task force was formed by PNLS, UNAIDS Technical Work Group, National Youth Council, NGO Forum and youth organisations. 100 Rwanda youth were selected from all major youth organisations, regions and learning institutions. In a 4-day workshop, workgroups developed a problem root, strategies and a solution tree and action plan. Main strategies are to conduct in depth research on specific risk-behaviours and post-genocide cultural factors, set up behavioural surveys for youth, reinforce Regional Health Councils through training of youth, set up specific youth friendly services at district level, form anti-AIDS clubs in secondary schools and continuously conduct youth specific IEC-campaigns. The strategies were presented at the World Aids Day Celebration in the presence of dignitaries and 10,000 gathered youth. The plan will be implemented by the National Youth Council and funded by the Government and donors, members of the UNAIDS Theme Group. Conclusions: Building on the strong political commitment of the Government of Rwanda and collaborating with the recently set-up National Youth Council, the PNLS, Ministry of Youth, Ministry of Education and the UNAIDS Theme Group, an important step in mobilising Rwandan youth to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS was taken.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Adolescent
- Counseling
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Planning
- Humans
- Organizations
- Program Development
- Research
- Rwanda
- United States
- education
Other ID:
UI: 102238158
From Meeting Abstracts