Namibian Youth Need to Face Up To HIV-AIDS

I WOULD like to briefly express my opinion and concern to the government and Ministry of Health and Social Services about the way they talk to the youth about the HIV/AIDS issue.

I’ve been quite impressed yet unsatisfied due to the fact that schools in villages, especially those at Sangwali in the Caprivi region are still not serious about the deadly disease that is among us. I am a Caprivian myself and when I approached some girls in our village and talked to them about this problem they seemed to know about AIDS but they say “I don’t sleep around, so there is no way I will be infected.”Yes they have learned about the virus, but have they seen AIDS? Their parents on the other side do not believe in the boyfriend/girlfriend relationships.As soon as your parents find out which boy you have been seeing, they will certainly contact the boy’s parents and start to arrange your marriage.This however results in the girls failing to attend classes as they are told to stay home.They do not even consider getting tested, which is very dangerous.They still judge a person’s physical appearance which is neither safe nor reliable.So I am appealing to the Ministry of Health and Social Services to produce pictures or photographs of people who are suffering and those especially dying from the killer disease.Also to encourage teachers or schools especially in villages, to consult doctors from nearby clinics to come to the schools and briefly talk to the students about the virus.They still need to know that even a person who has never been involved in a sexual relationship could be a carrier.I am truly worried and concerned about these people as government officials normally talk and warn people about the AIDS issue in towns and cities on radios or television which most villagers do not have access to.Please hear my cry and help those who especially need it.Advent Muhau Shitaa WindhoekI am a Caprivian myself and when I approached some girls in our village and talked to them about this problem they seemed to know about AIDS but they say “I don’t sleep around, so there is no way I will be infected.”Yes they have learned about the virus, but have they seen AIDS? Their parents on the other side do not believe in the boyfriend/girlfriend relationships.As soon as your parents find out which boy you have been seeing, they will certainly contact the boy’s parents and start to arrange your marriage.This however results in the girls failing to attend classes as they are told to stay home.They do not even consider getting tested, which is very dangerous.They still judge a person’s physical appearance which is neither safe nor reliable.So I am appealing to the Ministry of Health and Social Services to produce pictures or photographs of people who are suffering and those especially dying from the killer disease.Also to encourage teachers or schools especially in villages, to consult doctors from nearby clinics to come to the schools and briefly talk to the students about the virus.They still need to know that even a person who has never been involved in a sexual relationship could be a carrier.I am truly worried and concerned about these people as government officials normally talk and warn people about the AIDS issue in towns and cities on radios or television which most villagers do not have access to.Please hear my cry and help those who especially need it.Advent Muhau Shitaa Windhoek