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While Botswana has made great strides in reducing the number of new HIV infections – a total of around 36% since 2010 – young people remain extremely vulnerable to the virus. Adolescent girls and young women are particularly at risk of HIV infection as well as other badually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies.
In 2018, close to a new HIV infection in Botswana occurred in young women and girls aged 15 to 24 years old. Less than half of young women and girls report having a thorough knowledge of HIV.
To see what more could be done to solve the problems that make young people more vulnerable to HIV, Neo Masisi, Botswana's first lady, organized a retreat in July to address the challenges they face.
The young women participating in the retreat shared some of their experiences with the First Lady and officials of the Ministry of Health.
"I come from a tense family structure where poverty is rampant. I never felt loved at home and looked for love on the outside. I had a boyfriend and, finally, me too, I became a teenage mother, "Belinda said.
The retreat discussions will provide a framework for the development of a national flagship program for youth.
"Today's young people face multiple challenges and face so many challenges: at school, as part of a changing family dynamic, societal expectations. They challenge their norms, values and value, "said Ms. Masisi. "We need to treat them as leaders so that they can feel valued."
Health Minister Alfred Madigele said new consultations will be held with youth to develop the framework.
Earlier this year, Gunilla Carlsson, UNAIDS Executive Director, appointed Ms. Masisi UNAIDS Special Ambbadador for Botswana Youth Empowerment and Engagement.
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