By Burnett Munthali
Health authorities in Chikwawa district have raised concerns over the increasing vulnerability of young people to HIV, urging them to strictly adhere to prevention measures. The call comes as recent observations indicate heightened risks among the youth due to risky sexual behaviors.
Speaking during World AIDS Day commemorations held under the theme “Take the Right Path: Together we Remember, Together we End AIDS,” the district’s Principal Nutrition and HIV and AIDS Officer, Chifundo Manong’a, highlighted the growing challenge of addressing HIV transmission among young people.
Manong’a noted that many young people are engaging in sexual activities fueled by enticements such as financial rewards and gifts, making them particularly vulnerable to contracting the virus.
“The situation is alarming, as young people are being lured into risky behaviors. We need collective efforts to educate and empower them to make better choices,” he said.
Although Manong’a could not provide specific data on the current prevalence rate in the district, he underscored the urgency of addressing the issue to prevent further spread of the virus.
This year’s World AIDS Day commemorations emphasized empowering the youth to create sustainable livelihoods while adopting preventive measures. Authorities believe that economic empowerment can reduce the appeal of risky behaviors linked to transactional sex.
“We are working on programs to help the youth generate income and build their future, which will ultimately reduce their susceptibility to HIV transmission,” Manong’a added.
As of December last year, Chikwawa district had 30,000 people enrolled in Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART). Encouragingly, 98 percent of the district’s population is aware of their HIV and AIDS status, reflecting progress in testing and counseling campaigns.
Health officials in Chikwawa are appealing to all stakeholders, including parents, schools, community leaders, and NGOs, to collaborate in spreading awareness and implementing effective strategies to curb the epidemic among the youth.
“Ending AIDS requires everyone’s involvement. Let’s work together to protect our youth and secure a healthy future for Chikwawa and Malawi as a whole,” Manong’a said.
As the fight against HIV and AIDS continues, the focus on empowering and educating young people remains critical. Authorities in Chikwawa are optimistic that with sustained efforts, the district can overcome its challenges and contribute to Malawi’s goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat.
Burnett Munthali is a writer focusing on health and community development in Malawi.
