TANZANIA: Survey indicates high HIV vulnerability among youth

JOHANNESBURG, 4 Oct 2005 (PLUSNEWS) - A recent survey on HIV/AIDS, reproductive health and youth suggests that young people are increasingly vulnerable to HIV infection and unwanted pregnancy.

The survey, jointly conducted by the Tanzania Aids Commission (TACAIDS), the National Bureau of Statistics and US-based ORC Macro, helped shed light on HIV/AIDS perceptions in the country.

Low levels of HIV testing, irregular use of condoms, poor knowledge of the means of transmission and stigmatisation were among the factors contributing to the high vulnerability of Tanzania's youth.

According to researchers, "Stigma has grown, marginalising and excluding individuals, leading to social rejection. Ultimately, this attitude allows societies to excuse themselves from the responsibility of caring for and looking after those who are infected."

[ENDS]