By Gugulethu Nyazema
“Two days after a one night stand I discovered sores on my private parts. It dawned on me that I could have been infected with HIV,”- 19-year-old Kenneth from Zimbabwe said.
This is a common statement among the young and sexually active. They are like sheep to the slaughter; a seemingly harmless natural process has turned poisoned chalice. Boiling blood and hormones that are running everywhere in young people can lead to impulsive decision making and the result can be an excruciating AIDS-related death.
Statistics show that HIV prevalence is highest among people aged 15- 24, according to the Zimbabwe Demographic Health Surveys 2010/11.
I met Kenneth in a clinic while he was sitting, apparently worried and anxious, waiting for his HIV test results from counsellors.
Kenneth said that, a couple of days prior to the much publicised circumcision and HIV testing of Zimbabwean parliamentarians, he had had a one off encounter with a girl at one of the local pubs.
“Two days ago I felt an itching sensation and realised I had sores on my private parts. Fear engulfed me because I thought I might have been infected with HIV. I then made a decision to get tested so that I know my status and get the knowledge on how to move forward.
“I had had unprotected sex with a girl I hardly knew. This was a once off thing and spur of the moment. I was not thinking straight and didn’t have the money to buy the condoms,” he said, almost in tears.
Kenneth’s story is typical of many that result in millions of young people getting infected with HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
When Kenneth got his HIV results the relief on his face was palpable. He tested negative but these results may not be a clear reflection of his status. He will have to be tested again in three month and only then can he celebrate.
“But for now I have reason to be relieved and walk tall,” he said with a wide smile. “From now my attitude will be different. We need a huge behavioural change, particularly among the youths.”
The current estimates indicate that there are around 600,000 new HIV infections in Zimbabwe each year. At least 2.6 million Zimbabweans were recorded to have come for voluntary counselling and testing in last year, according to Population Services International.
Amon Mpofu , National AIDS Council (NAC) Monitor and Evaluation Director, says there has been an increase in the number of people that have been tested for HIV since 2006. A total of 34% of women and 21% of men were tested in 2011 compared to the 7% of men and women respectively testing in 2006.
“Knowing one’s status is a liberty factor and it will help curb the epidemic of HIV,” said Mpofu.
According to UNAIDS an estimated five million people between the ages of 15-24 are living with HIV globally. An estimated 90,000 new HIV infections occurred among young people in 2008.
A UNAIDS technical update report reveals that voluntary counselling and testing has been shown to have a role in both HIV prevention and as an entry into care for people with HIV.
In Zimbabwe, currently 1.1 million people living with HIV. Globally, 33 million are living with HIV.
Wonderful article. Unsettling reality!