Kirby SL; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. TuPeF5241.
n/a, Gaborone, Botswana
ISSUES: With the highest HIV prevalence, Botswana is challenged to provide adolescents with opportunities for sexual and reproductive health in the midst of an escalating HIV pandemic. This challenge is especially vital for young women; research reveals a steady increase in HIV infection in young women with infection rates reaching four times those of their male counterparts. Since 30% of Botswana's population are females below age 30, reductions in the rate of HIV infection in young women would lead to a substantial slowing of the epidemic. DESCRIPTION: Physiological factors only partially explain a young women's increased vulnerability to HIV infection. Many inequalities associated with gender are encouraged and legitimized in Botswana and elucidating these gender dynamics is essential to understanding how and why young women are at very high risk for HIV infection. LESSONS LEARNED: Few programs designed to promote young people's sexual and reproductive health in Botswana have comprehensively addressed vulnerabilities associated with gender. As a result, many young women remain ill equipped to avoid situations that are high risk for HIV infection. Greater awareness of gender imbalances reflected in cultural practice, public policy, abuse, wealth distribution and health care delivery will enable program planners to devise more effective strategies to empower young women to avoid HIV infection. Similarly, improved knowledge about gender dynamics can help to inform more effective treatment strategies. RECOMMENDATIONS: Implementing a gender sensitive approach will increase the positive impact of reproductive health interventions for young people. Program designers must promote a greater awareness of gender dynamics affecting sexual and reproductive decision-making, including rights and protection of young women, as well as access to relevant education, skills training and friendly health services.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Adolescent
- Botswana
- Demography
- Female
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Planning Guidelines
- Human Rights
- Humans
- Infection
- Male
- Population
- Reproductive Medicine
- Research
- Socioeconomic Factors
- education
Other ID:
UI: 102259171
From Meeting Abstracts