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A rise in the number of pregnant South African teens concerns health experts in the country with the world's largest HIV/AIDS caseload.The most recent data from the Human Science Research Council show 62 pregnancies among every 1,000 South African schoolgirls in 2008, up from 51 per 1,000 in 2004. According to HSRC, black teen girls from poor urban areas are most likely to become pregnant and contract HIV.
As a result, health officials are re-examining HIV and pregnancy prevention programs aimed at youths. Last month, the government launched a controversial voluntary HIV testing program in South Africa's schools.
But a spokesperson for Lovelife, a government-funded HIV prevention effort, said testing is just one tool. Poverty, unemployment, and lack of education can push girls into relationships with older men. Many girls view pregnancy as an entree to womanhood and something that gives meaning to life, particularly in post-Apartheid South Africa, said Esther Etkin.
"Add to this a new generation whose identity is no longer centered around the struggle for freedom, but a struggle to forge identity in a world where old problems persist and new ones have sprung up," like HIV/AIDS, said Etkin. "We also need to ensure that our programs are culturally relevant and emphasize continuing education, particularly after child birth."
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
