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Panos Institute Southern Africa's blog

Adolescent HIV/AIDS: Critical Reflections from the AIDS2014 Conference

To: The HIV/AIDS Communication Network with The Communication Initiative

From Lilian Kiefer - Panos Institute Southern Africa (PSAf) on adolescent HIV/AIDS.

To respond and critique Lilian's perspective or to add your knowledge on this important issue please either reply by email to this note or click Read More below and comment on the platform

Adolescent HIV/AIDS: Critical Reflections from the AIDS2014 Conference

Adolescence is a defining period in the growth of a young person. Supporting young people to successfully navigate this stage of life can help break the cycle of poverty and produce great benefits for individuals, communities, and countries.

During adolescence, a growing person has the possibility of being exposed to life risking activities such as unprotected sex, early marriage and abuse. It is also during adolescence that most individuals discover their real worth and status when it comes to whether they are HIV positive or negative.

During the recent International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2014) held in Melbourne, Australia, from 20th to 25th July 2014, representatives of hundreds of entities involved in the fight against HIV and AIDS reflected on the adolescent epidemic. It is a fact that while adolescence is a time of having dreams and possibilities, it is also a time of confronting great risks, particularly for girls.

Adolescent girls face the risks of early childbirth and marriage, dropping out of school, and acquiring a variety of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS. These consequences diminish the opportunities of adolescent girls and jeopardize their future.

HIV/AIDS Communication