HIV/AIDS
Over the last two decades HIV/AIDS has directly affected more than forty-two million people worldwide. While the pandemic reaches all corners of the world, its global distribution is disproportionate with Sub Saharan Africa carrying the greatest burden. Of the total estimated cases of HIV/AIDS worldwide, 28,000,000 are found in Sub Saharan Africa (UNAIDS, 2003c). The chance of a young person in Sub Saharan Africa contracting and dying of HIV/AIDS currently ranges between 50 to 85 percent (Baker, 2002). Half of all new infections globally are young people between the ages of 15-24 (World Bank, 2002).
Although HIV/AIDS does not discriminate in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual preference or age its effects are unevenly distributed. Disadvantaged socio-economic sections of society continue to be most vulnerable. Although young people continue to be most at risk from the HIV/AIDS pandemic they are also where hope for the future can be found.
IYP 2004 is bringing together young people from around the world to discuss the impact of HIV/AIDS on their communities. Employing a variety of strategies - education, lobbying, advocacy and community campaigns - these young leaders aim to encourage sustainable change in the way we deal with the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Some Words from Area Group 1
Drawing upon our wealth of skills, knowledge and experience, we young leaders from 18 different countries analysed key issues and obstacles facing young people in our fight against HIV/AIDS.
Although HIV prevalence, access to treatment, and HIV/AIDS education vary in our respective countries, we identified common social, cultural and religious barriers which contribute to and exacerbate the spread of HIV/AIDS. These include gender inequality, particularly in relation to the ability of women to negotiate safer sex.
In many of our communities, there is a growing generational gap which makes it difficult to discuss youth issues, especially those traditionally considered taboo. Community power structures often silence young people's voices, particularly when they are seen to be challenging existing value systems.
In the face of these issues, the development of "whole community" responses to HIV/AIDS can be complex. We often face challenges in accessing resources to promote a youth perspective in the fight against HIV/AIDS and discrimination.
Our action plans aim to educate young people about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS, teach them to educate others, and teach them to advocate for HIV/AIDS policy changes. The action plans focus on sensitising communities to the realities of HIV/AIDS, reducing discrimination, and increasing access to treatment and support services.
We aim to raise awareness that HIV/AIDS does not just affect 'others' but all of us. It is our collective responsibility and requires a collective response. We will win the war against HIV/AIDS.
Some Words from Area Group 2
We believe that much needs to be done to combat the widespread impacts of stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS.
HIV/AIDS is worsened by poverty, which results in inequitable access to basic social services and life-saving anti-retroviral treatments. Poverty is underpinned by disparities in the distribution of resources as a result of economic globalisation. In many ways, the issues intersect and are seen as a 'vicious circle', each worsening the other.
We are working to achieve change in our communities. Our work aims to reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS; increase the acceptance, support and care of those living with HIV/AIDS; create access to basic social services; and reduce discrimination. We are committed to ensuring that young people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS, and local communities participate equitably in the development of any strategies that will improve their lives.
We, as young leaders from all around the world, commit ourselves to realising these ideals through our actions and in the relationships we have built with each other and within our communities. In the face of adversity we find our hope. It is in our shared humanity and the friendships we build that the strength to achieve a sustainable solution to the HIV/AIDS pandemic is found. We are the solution and we will achieve the brighter, fairer future of which we dream.
