Youth dominates HIV infections: NAC

By Crucial Kuwanga

National Aids Council (NAC) has said the age group ranging from 15 to 24 years  are now dominates HIV infections amid renewed commitment by stakeholders to intensify awareness programmes targeted at this group.

Showing on the Data released by the National Aids Council at the belated World Aids Day Commemorations in Harare this Friday the results showed that youths are currently carrying a huge HIV infections burden.

The information also showed that infections are prevalent in youths aged between 15 and 24 years with young females dominating.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Swiss Cooperation Assistant Regional Director in Zimbabwe, Mr Amir Fouad said there is a need for increased awareness programmes to the youths.

“Nothing beats being an informed citizen. Our youths need to be capacitated with the right information if the war against HIV and AIDS is to be won,” he said.

Sexual Reproductive Health Africa Trust Country Director, Dr Mildred Mushunje spoke on the need for a multi-stakeholder approach in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

“We need to join forces and try to fight the virus among this age group,” he said.

It also emerged at the commemorations that despite economic challenges, Zimbabwe has made some progress in reversing the HIV and AIDS burden through initiatives targeting to scale down on new infections and the provision of treatment to those infected.