Today’s young people are the first generation who have never known a world without HIV and AIDS. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four new HIV cases is among youth ages 13 to 24. Every month, 1,000 young people acquire HIV and over 76,400 young people are currently living with HIV across the country. While there has been much talk and activism about an AIDS-free generation, we believe that the end of HIV/AIDS, is possible if there is more focus on key populations.
Co-curricular in Kasese is among activities that can addresses barriers faced by the Most-At-Risk-Population (MARPs). Working to realize stronger engagement and making those vulnerable busy so that they are not engaged in dubious activities.
In this region, Alcohol addiction is common especially among the children and youth in Uganda; youth prefer strong local spirits like Royal Gin, Signature Vodka, Beckham Gin and Tyson Waragi, which are easily accessible in mini sachets at low prices. As a result of alcohol abuse, about 100 deaths annually in Uganda are caused due to poisoning of alcohol.
Other substances abused include, Marijuana/Cannabis, Kuber, Cocaine, petrol and tobacco. Petrol is sniffed either from small bottles or from soaked cloth and is mostly used by urban youth and street children.
Health experts believe drug use in Uganda is on the increase and is being propagated as ‘trendy’ amongst the youth and corporates. However, these drugs bear negative health effects which most users are ignorant of.