Okoro OD, Ajayi OO, Elliot B, Wakesho P, Eugene Ntreh K, Mmokele Tebogo S, Dunjwa K, Neema M, Kamau C, Mohamud A; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).
Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. TuPeC4736.
Youth Action Rangers of Nigeria, Lagos, Nigeria
Issues: Young people account for 1/2 of the total HIV infection rate in the world. About 6000 infections occurs everyday among this age group of 15-24 years. The HIV/AIDS epidemic has had devastating effects on African youth, most of whom lack access to information and services in the area of HIV/AIDS, STIs, Reproductive and Sexual health. This calls for a holistic approach in using young people as an entry point to their peers. In sub Saharan Africa many youth are getting involved in issues that affect them. One of such means is participation at national, international forums in order to build their skills and capacity. Description: This presentation seeks to discuss the importance of African youth participating at national and international meetings. Joined in this presentation are young activists and advocates from several African countries namely Ghana, Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania, United States, Kenya and Nigeria to share their various experiences at international meetings and conferences as its affects their work in their various countries, what they learned and limitation they faced in participating at such forums. Lessons learned: The idea of having young people attending international meetings and forums is a worth investment. Through their participation, lessons and innovative strategies were learned which were interpreted into their behavioural change communication & advocacy activities to impact positive changes among their peers. Networks established by young people from different countries have also aided their works in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and management. Furthermore, capacities of these young people were built and skills were acquired for positive behavioural change. Recommendation: This presentation recommends that there should be more resources allocation by Government, international and local donor agencies for the participation of young people at international forums and their programme activities that will enable greater youth visibility in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Adolescent
- Africa
- Africa South of the Sahara
- Botswana
- Communication
- Congresses
- Ghana
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Planning Guidelines
- Humans
- Infection
- Kenya
- Nigeria
- Peer Group
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- United States
- education
- organization & administration
Other ID:
UI: 102282554
From Meeting Abstracts