Young Burkinabè people united against HIV/AIDS

The Jeunesse Active pour un Développement Durable association and the Heroines of Faso organized a national forum to strengthen the commitment of young people in the fight against the HIV AIDS pandemic. With the financial support of UNICEF and the technical support of the permanent secretariat of the National Council for the Fight against AIDS, this conference brought together many young people determined to banish HIV from Burkina, this Friday, December 27, 2024.

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Although the prevalence of HIV in Burkina Faso has seen a significant decline, it remains worrying, particularly among young people aged 15 to 34 who represent more than a third of the population. “ The overall prevalence of HIV in Burkina Faso is approximately 0.6% in the population aged 15 to 49, a significant improvement compared to previous decades. However, this situation varies according to specific groups and young people are among the most exposed groups.

According to the Fifth General Population and Housing Census, the population of Burkina Faso is estimated at 20,505,155 inhabitants and young people aged 15-34 represent 32.6%. To this end, actions already undertaken must be reinforced for youth without HIV. ».

For Zabré Boukary, national coordinator, the objective of this forum was clear. Faced with the massive displacement of participants, he was optimistic that this generation will be the last affected by HIV.

« The objective is to bring together young people and discuss with them in order to strengthen their community commitment against HIV/AIDS. Given the commitment of young people and youth organizations, we tell ourselves that we can count on these young people for zero new HIV infections in Burkina Faso.“, he hoped.

A long-time partner in the fight against HIV/AIDS, UNICEF was present at this conference as a financial partner. Represented by Eric Ky, the latter expressed several expectations for the outcome of this forum.

« We aim to strengthen the capacities of young people. It is essential to give them the tools they need to understand HIV issues and act accordingly. We will also work to facilitate access to screening, prevention and treatment services.

Support community initiatives because projects led by young people must be encouraged and supported. And finally, fight against stigma and discrimination which remain a major obstacle to access to care for people living with HIV ».

This national forum is an important step in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Burkina Faso. Several awareness-raising and screening activities will take place in five other regions of Burkina Faso, for a better impact. As a reminder, the day of the fight against HIV AIDS is commemorated on 1^is December each year.

Flora KARMBIRI

Burkina 24

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