The AIDS problem in Burundi and its prevention among young people

Abstract

Since 1986 in Burundi the operational budget for control of sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS is almost all financed by foreign aid. Effectuated expenses correspond to about 50% in 1989 and about 60% in 1990 indicating administrative delays and inadequate human resources to distribute the allocated budget. In 1992 the number of new cases of AIDS was 4000 for adults and 1500 for children. Estimated numbers for 1997 are 9000 and 3700 respectively. The estimated 1992 HIV prevalence rate was 15% for urban and semi-urban areas and 1-2% for rural areas. There are likely more HIV/AIDS cases than are reported. HIV prevalence is much higher in women than in men. Some uneducated youth think that condoms contain HIV so they do not consider condoms to be effective. Most students think primary schools must convey abstinence as the HIV prevention message. In Bujumbura most parents would favor condom distribution to youth and to their own children. The number of condoms on the market and interventions targeted to adolescents have been rather limited. The national AIDS control program funded by UNICEF promotes sexual responsibility through health education campaigns and improving access to condoms. Approaches to reach the uneducated youth include mobilization and training of promoters. So far no data on implementation of this project or on use of its education materials have been available. Messages spread by the Office of Rural Education and the Office of Studies and Programs of Secondary Education were confusing because one emphasized abstinence and the other condom use. The two partners must agree on the messages. The government of Burundi must become greatly involved in and reaffirm their commitment to the fight against AIDS. This will yield massive mobilization of the population to reduce HIV transmission and combat the epidemic.