Olowu O, Ogunmola O; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).
Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. TuPeE5487.
Federal Medical Center, Maiduguri, Nigeria
Issues: Sexual activity is high and risk perception is very low among Nigerian youth. Although government and civil society have been implementing awareness campaigns specifically for young people, it has become apparent that there is still not sufficient behavior change among youth. Description: In 2001, a group of youth volunteers realized that the only way to solve this problem was to do something for themselves and their peers. A NGO emerged: Volunteer Initiatives (VI). It was formed by university students with years of involvement in volunteering for youth development; young people with a concern for the future. VI advocated the involvement of young people in fighting the scourge of HIV/AIDS. Their sexual and reproductive health and rights activities focus on school and communities. VI has created opportunities for other youth groups through their example and has catalyzed individual change. Additionally, several youth groups are now toeing the line as a result. Lessons learned: Youth understand best what their needs are and how they should be addressed. They can encourage their peers most effectively. By knowing what will have optimal impact, youth-led NGOs can catalyze young people in all areas, personally and programmatically. They also serve to advocate for youth-centered programs in government and other institutions. Recommendations: To make youth programs even more successful, youth need to strengthen their skills in management, budgeting, finance, and report writing. This is easy as youth are generally eager to learn. Youth also need financial resources and sustained emotional support to be successful. Youth-led efforts can translate into better youth-focused programming in both NGOs and government and must be promoted.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Adolescent
- Demography
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
- Health Planning Guidelines
- Health Services Needs and Demand
- Human Rights
- Humans
- Nigeria
- Research
- Sexual Behavior
- education
- organization & administration
Other ID:
UI: 102283286
From Meeting Abstracts