Hassan Magulumali
HIV incidences among young girls aged 15-24 years have alarmingly doubled, according to the Tanzania Commission for AIDS (Tacaids).
According to statistics, HIV infections among girls in this age group have increased from 14% in the 2016/17 period to 30% in 2022/23.
There was a decrease across other age groups except the 15-24-year population, and as of now, 1,548,000 Tanzanians are living with HIV.
Tacaids acting executive director, Dr Jerome Kamwela, said older men, specifically between 30 and 60 years, have been identified as a major contributing factor to the rising prevalence among young girls.
He said serious attention is required at the societal level, noting that not only girls but also boys in the same age group pose significant risks due to environmental factors that encourage sexual relationships between individuals of different age groups.
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“The community should look at this issue with utmost seriousness,” Dr Kamwela urged.
“The interaction between young people and older men is creating a dangerous environment for the spread of the virus.”
Dr Kamwela also pointed out that technological advancements, particularly the widespread use of mobile phones, have played a significant role in the increase.
He warned parents to be vigilant about their children’s use of mobile phones, as many behavioural risks begin through that medium.
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