2. INTRODUCTION
HIV/AIDS is one of the most serious health problems throughout the
world .
It accounts for one of the top 5 conditions for which health care is
sought in Africa.
Nigeria has the largest population in Africa continent with
approximately 140 million people out of 4.6% constitute the HIV
population.1
Nigeria has the highest population of young people i.e 36 million
aged 12 – 24 years, the largest ever in the history of the country.2
There is almost no community without an explosion of young
people
1- 2008 sero -Prévalence Survey 2- National Population Commission Census 2006
3. Young people and HIV
The age specific distribution of HIV in Nigeria clearly
shows that young people are at the highest risk of the
epidemic. The trend in HIV prevalence in Nigeria, has
always affected more of young people below the age
of 25 years.
The first case of AIDS in Nigeria was diagnosed in
1986 (a 14 year old girl who was a street hawker).
About 40% of HIV new infections are among young
people3
3 - 2007 unfpa report
4. Young People’s Contribution to
the HIV prevalence in Nigeria
Low proportion of young people with comprehensive
knowledge of HIV prevention
Early age of sexual initiation
They engage in high-risk sexual behaviours such as having
multiple sexual partners, engagement in unprotected
sexual intercourse e.t.c
They have limited access to HIV prevention services such
as youth friendly centres
5. Young People’s Contribution to the
HIV prevalence in Nigeria Contd.
Economic situations such as poverty and inability to meet
employment needs has made young people vulnerable to
risk of HIV transmission such as engaging in sex for money
activities
The presence of an STI greatly increases one’s likelihood
of acquiring or transmitting HIV. Some of the highest STIs
rates in the country are those among young people.
6. Role of Young People to HIV free
Population
Individual Approach
P - Practice Abstinence (No sex, No drugs)
R - Responsible Sex Behaviour
E - Education
V - Voluntary Testing
E - Exercise Healthy Behaviour
N - No cheating on partner
T - Treatment of partner
I - Identify and Reduce Risk
O - Observations of Self and partner
N- Neglecting is dangerous to Health.
7. Role of Young People to HIV free
Population Contd.
Group/ Community Approach
Peer Education
Organize awareness campaigns such as rallies, community
dialogue
Youth- Adult Partnership in developing programmes and
policies on HIV
Provision and acquisition of income generating activities such
as microfinance, alternative livelihood source and skills
acquisition
8. Role of Young People to HIV free
Population Contd.
Whatever the circumstances, in order to protect ourselves
against HIV, we need:
Information
Skills
Youth-friendly health services
A safe and supportive environment
