Challenges Facing Tanzanian Youth in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS: Lessons Learnt from Mbeya Region, Southern Highlands

Abstract

Globally, a major agenda in health and development has been HIV/AIDS mitigation measures among the youth. This follows the prevalence of sexual activity at a younger age, a burgeoning youth population that does not attend school and high unemployment that seems to push youth into alternative life patterns that involve risks to their health. Young people in Tanzania are more exposed to HIV/AIDS due to multiple factors, ranging from lack of SRH knowledge, to socio-cultural issues and poverty. Despite the fact that all people are susceptible to HIV transmission, youth – especially girls – are at the highest risk due to gender imbalances that prevent them from having support and decision-making power. Whereas numerous studies have concentrated on urban settings through a quantitative approach, this study investigated a wide-range of socio-cultural and gender related issues in rural and urban settings of Mbeya region, through a qualitative approach. The study involved 54 respondents. Qualitative data collection techniques included in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and document review. The findings show that the majority of youth had heard about HIV/AIDS and its related effects; however, condom use, and attendance at SRH services was low. The challenges contributing to HIV/AIDS prevalence amongst youth include: lack of decision-making power; drug and alcohol abuse; inappropriate information about HIV/AIDS and SRH; and, household poverty. The study concludes that youth should be better incorporated in addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and the Tanzanian government should create a supportive environment to access youth use of SRH services and more effective implementation of its policies.