SOUTHERN AFRICA: Targeting young men is key to fight against HIV/AIDS

Agencies involved in curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS must target young men or risk devastating effects in the long-term, warns a new joint report from the Panos Institute and UNAIDS.

According to the report, ‘Young Men and HIV: Culture, Poverty and Sexual Risk’, young men – defined as aged between 15 and 24 – have more sexual partners than any other group and are more likely to inject drugs, while at the same time employing riskier methods such as not wearing condoms and sharing needles. Key reasons for targeting young men, says the report, are that they currently account for up to a quarter of the world’s population living with HIV/AIDS and as a group they are likely to wield the most power in the future both as individuals in their private lives and as leaders responsible for the communities in which they live. Over 50 percent of all new HIV infections occur among young people.

Printed copies of ‘Young Men and HIV: Culture, Poverty and Risk’ can be ordered from the Panos Institute or downloaded from http://ww.panos.org.uk

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