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Sexuality of young people perinatally infected with HIV : a neglected element in HIV/AIDS programming in Uganda


Document type: article
Download file(s): 122910 (106 KB)
Abstract: This issue of Exchange is about learning about sex. This article sheds some light on the lack of counselling on sexuality for young people who are living with HIV. In HIV/AIDS treatment, care and support programming, concern for the vulnerability of young people to HIV infection tends to overwhelm some of the more positive realities of sexuality, which is an equally important part of growing up. In Uganda and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa, wide programmatic gaps exist in addressing sexual and reproductive health needs of young people perinatally infected with HIV who are now growing into adolescents and adults. The almost exclusive focus on the negative implications of HIV tends to hinder initiation of programmes aimed at addressing the sexual desires of young people living with HIV. This problem is compounded by the false assumption that young people (10-19 years) living with HIV in Africa may be too few to justify targeted programming and a reluctance to acknowledge that it is natural for them to have sexual needs and desires and to act upon them. Many young people living with HIV aspire to be just like their peers who are HIV negative. Therefore, it can only be anticipated that these young people as well desire to explore their sexuality and appreciate the opportunity to talk and ask questions about it.
Authors: Birungi, H. , Mugisha, J.F. , Nyombi, J.
Country: Uganda
Category: Research
End Page: 9
Serial number: 3
ISSN: [1871-7551]
Journal: Exchange on HIV/AIDS, sexuality and gender
Keywords: HIV and AIDS , health , disease prevention and control , youth
Language: eng
Organization: KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
Year: 2007
Region: Africa South of Sahara
Right: © 2007 KIT
Subject: Health and Nutrition
Start Page: 7
Title: Sexuality of young people perinatally infected with HIV : a neglected element in HIV/AIDS programming in Uganda