Harare, Zimbabwe (News of the South)-HIV prevalence is almost three times higher amongst youthful Zimbabwean women as compared to their male counterparts according to research results released by an East and Southern Africa regional research.
The extreme numbers, which focus on people aged 15 to 24, have been partially attributed to inter-generational sex.
According to the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) funded report this was also against the backdrop of high levels of unintended pregnancies, 24% for the 15 to 19 age group, unsafe abortions and limited access to sexual and reproductive health services.
In the aftermath of concerted efforts at curbing the AIDS, youths have slowly come up as a major vulnerable group still in need of education and assistance to mitigate a late spike in new infections.
The research states that socio-economic issues were a factor in some of the negatives.
Sexually Related Health (SRH) services and commodities particularly in preferred private sector outlets, remain unaffordable for many young people”.
“Limited uptake of services due to socio-economic factors and acceptability of services due to limited input of young people in the design and delivery”.
“Poverty, lack of parental guidance, lack of life skills, drug and alcohol use and other socio-cultural factors regarding gender and sexual relationships affect young people’s sexually related health”, it says.
Other notable facts from the research include the fall of contraceptive prevalence rate which fell from 61% in 2005/6 to around 59% in 2011.
Adolescent birth rate is at 116 per 1000 though it’s higher in rural areas, 144 per 1000, as compared to urban areas where its 71 per 1000.
Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health (ASRH) has allegedly been allocated US$40 000 by the government of which they are yet to receive any amount since the year began according to an official.
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