Youth Facing the Brunt of HIV/AIDS: Urgent Action Needed as Global Funding Declines

As the world commemorates World AIDS Day, alarming statistics reveal that young people remain disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, highlighting an urgent need for targeted intervention and sustained funding.

The Alarming Reality in South Africa

According to UNAIDS, 7.8 million South Africans live with HIV, and young people account for half of this figure. The Human Sciences Research Council’s 6th National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, Behaviour, and Communication Survey underscores this crisis, noting that adolescent girls and young women aged 15–24 have an HIV prevalence rate of 6.9%, nearly double the 3.5% rate among males of the same age group.

The Funding Crisis

Phinah Kodisang, CEO of the Soul City Institute for Social Justice, attributes the escalating youth infections to shrinking budgets for non-profits. “Funding cuts have diminished impactful platforms like television and radio dramas that once educated young people about HIV prevention and treatment,” she explained. Kodisang emphasized the importance of equipping youth with resources to stay HIV-negative rather than solely focusing on treatment.

While the Global Fund allocated R8 billion for South Africa's HIV and TB programs for 2025–2028, many advocacy groups believe it’s insufficient to counteract years of underfunding.

Staggering Infection Rates

Every week, an estimated 1,200 new infections are detected among young women aged 15–19 in South Africa. Kodisang linked this surge to systemic issues such as rape culture and limited education about HIV prevention, which leave many vulnerable.

Dr. Themba Moeti, CEO of Health Systems Trust, added that the prevalence of HIV among youth is exacerbated by a lack of lived memory of the AIDS epidemic's earlier fatalities. “Many youth are unaware of the severity of HIV because treatments have significantly extended lifespans,” said Dr. Moeti. He also highlighted the gender disparity, noting that young women often engage in relationships with older partners, increasing their risk of infection.

A Call to Action

The South African government, led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, is hosting the official World AIDS Day event in Buffalo City, aiming to address these pressing issues. Advocacy groups call for renewed global and local efforts to fund awareness programs, provide education, and tackle cultural factors contributing to the epidemic.

Breaking the cycle of infection requires collaboration between governments, NGOs, and communities to prioritize education, funding, and cultural change. As we reflect on World AIDS Day, the time for action is now.