One of the greatest problems fuelling the spread of HIV, in Nigeria, Africa and most developing countries of the world is ignorance. Many Nigerians, especially the youth, do not have adequate information on HIV&AIDS. Worse still, young people are not encouraged to seek information on HIV especially from adults who may be judgmental and discriminatory. Therefore, to effectively reduce HIV infection, we need to involve young people as agents of behaviour change to reduce risky sexual behaviours like unprotected sex and having multiple sexual partners. Hence, the role of young people in HIV prevention should be greatly encouraged in such affected countries, like the saying goes "there is no knowledge that is not power".

Role of young people in HIV prevention
There are numerous roles young people can play in the prevention of the spread of HIV, we shall be looking at some of them. Young people can contribute as:

a. Peer educators
b. Peer councillors
c. Change agents
d. Assets to their family and community
e. Providers/Linkages for HIV Counselling & Testing (HCT) and Home-based care

a. Peer educators
Young people, who are trained as peer educators, have developed the skills required to provide accurate information to their peers. Accurate information and not just mere myths and misconceptions is greatly needed to curb the spread of HIV, telling them what they should know based on scientific proofs and backgrounds and not what they think is of great importance. And such information can only be spread by trained peer educators.

c. As Peer Counsellor
Young people, who are trained as counsellors, can assist their peers and community members with counselling when required. They can encourage them to go for HCT (HIV counselling and testing). HCT is the entry point to all HIV prevention and care program, it is after knowing your HIV status you will know the next step and decision to take.

b. Change Agents
An informed youth can be a change agent by providing his/her peers with adequate information on HIV and discouraging risky sexual behaviour. Behavioural change (from bad to good) is the aim, and not just mere sayings without positive actions.

d. As Asset to the Family and Community
An informed youth can serve as an asset to their family and community by educating them about HIV & AIDS. And such family/community will be proud of having an informed youth amidst them.

e. Providers/Linkages for HIV Counselling & Testing (HCT) and Home-based care
A well informed young person can encourage people to go for HCT, as well provide home based care for PLHIV (People living with HIV).

Summary
Adolescents and young people constitute a large portion of Nigeria’s population and most countries of the world. They are the most important group in a society and they are a country’s most valuable assets. The period of adolescence is of great consequence in an individual’s life, it should be handled with care. Although young people are one of the most vulnerable groups to HIV infection, they have the potential to act as agents for behaviour change amongst their peers.

Source: http://enhancedfact..com.ng/2015/11/the-role-of-young-people-in-hiv.html

Sadly most youths think with their hormones at that stage.

I don't think we still have young people in this country. Suffering don give us all grey hair by force...everyone don old under 6 months of APC military rule. So go outside naija go look for youths.

Okay... Seen.... End time post

OP you just dey write OP - Tautology!

All your points are saying the same thing!

chibuzor05:
One of the greatest problems fuelling the spread of HIV, in Nigeria, Africa and most developing countries of the world is ignorance.

I don't think it is Ignorance but refusal to adhere to the various preventive measures.
Even in Schools, the topic (HIV/AIDS) has been included in the curriculum of some
subjects.


Just my opinion, didn't condemn your view

Thanks for the information.

My name na Akbee, i dey CHANGE AGENT
Broda and sister,
Mama and papa
HIV DEY FOR TOWN E DEY KILL WELL WELL
DRUGS DEY SHAY BUT REMEMBER SAY PREVENTION BETTER PAST CURE
IF U NO FIT LOCK YOUR BODY WITH PADLOCK ABEG TRY TO DEY USE RAINCOAT.
IF U USE CONDOM U GO LAST WELLA
I NO SAY E NO TOO SWEET TO USE condom BUT BODY TO BODY NO DEY LAST BUT E FIT MK U GET HIV

Very useful post. We need to educate our brothers and sisters, friends and colleagues. Aids is real. Prevention is better than sorry.

In view of this, there will be free HIV testing and Counseling at 81 Division Hospital In Lagos on the 1st of December.

okay.

nnafather:
I don't think we still have young people in this country. Suffering don give us all grey hair by force...everyone don old under 6 months of APC military rule. So go outside naija go look for youths.

dominique:
Sadly most youths think with their hormones at that stage.

even adults are thinking with their hormones.

HIV is real! I have been opportuned to carry out several assignments for NACA on areas of HCT, PMTCT and ART. During the course of carrying out these duties, I have met very handsome men and stunningly beautiful women who are HIV+. The burden on some states like Benue, Rivers, FCT & Akwa-Ibom are particularly worrisome.

We must learn to protect ourselves at all times or stay faithful to one uninfected partner. The best being to abstain until marriage. I'll be starting a project on 'HIV prevention amongst Nigerian youths' early next year.

This topic won't make a pleasurable reading for the youth. They prefer to hear ' WIZKID, DAVIDO, PHYNO' etc. I don't know the type of youths we have these days.

One fact about HIV, we may not be able to cure HIV but we can stop the spread. Knowing your status is key.


Although its been 3 years now I got tested.
Homekits for testing should be made cheaper and easier to get.

I have imagine going into a relationship with a new girl how do I find the impetus to demand her status. If these kits are available your can easily talk pple into getting tested.

DOCTORDONE:
This topic won't make a pleasurable reading for the youth. They prefer to hear ' WIZKID, DAVIDO, PHYNO' etc. I don't know the type of youths we have these days.

And how celebrities step out unclad. The moderators must be blamed

Did anyone notice that there is no space booking on this thread. No one wants to talk about HIV. The babalawa thread is running into pages

Konji self na issue.

Nice One Dear That's Lovely ..... One Nigeria Great Nation From Vivian Gist

I thought there was a claim sometime ago about discovering a cure for the virus?

Okk

I don't like Condoms. Free me I beg. Raw is de Best

best and greatest thing is to keep your virginity till you are married. obey God you will happy, disobey God you will cry.say no to demons and live long