BOTSWANA: Decline in teen AIDS rates reported

Botswana has reported a reduction in HIV prevalence among youths aged 15 to 19.

According to the government's 'Sentinel Surveillance Study for 2005', the infection rate dropped from 22.8 percent in 2003 to 17.8 percent in 2005.

Although welcoming the findings, Health Minister Sheila Tlou said this should not encourage complacency, as young people still remained hardest hit by the pandemic.

"I urge the youth to be innovative and suggest new strategies to address emerging HIV/AIDS issues," the Botswana Press Agency quoted the minister as saying.

Theme (s): Care/Treatment - PlusNews,

[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]