The Need

SADC has the highest prevalence of HIV infections globally, and although some gains have been made in the area of access to treatment and there has been a decline in prevalence in certain localised epidemics, in the region in general, levels of new infections (incidence) remain high and are rising. If the current trend continues, says the latest SADC research, the region will not reach the Millennium Development Goals target of reversing and halting the epidemic by 2015.

Without substantial and rapid reductions in HIV incidence, the treatment burden of AIDS is set to be unsustainable, even in the wealthiest SADC Member States. This means that bringing effective HIV prevention strategies to scale with the right intensity and quality, and sound monitoring and evaluation, is a vital and cost-effective priority. [1]

With over 5,7 million people living with HIV/AIDS and 1,4 million children orphaned by the disease in South Africa, 300 000 people living with HIV/AIDS and 95 000 children orphaned in Botswana and 1,1 million people living with HIV/AIDS and 600 000 children orphaned in Zambia, African youth face incidence rates must continue to come down for the long term. The impact on education systems is being felt at every level. [2] A whole generation of young Africans is in danger of growing up without education, love, or positive role models. The decrease of HIV incidence in younger people, means that all the education and communication is coming to fruition, but we cannot let up.

The next five years are crucial in the response to HIV and youth development. If decisive action is not taken while the international community is committed to realising the Millennium Development Goals and the need for evidence based prevention strategies highlighted, a unique window of opportunity to halt the forces driving the HIV epidemic and youth risk behaviour in Africa will be lost. Now is the time for action. GOLD believes that it is not too late.

SADC HIV AND AIDS STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK AND PROGRAMME OF ACTION 2010-2015, May 2009, SADC Secretariat
UNAIDS/WHO/UNICEF EPIDEMIOLOGICAL FACT SHEETS, 2008 UPDATE