Vulnerability of adolescents and young people to HIV and STIs in Sub-Saharan Africa: Options to reducing cases in Zimbabwe

Adolescents and young people in Zimbabwe, like in most sub-Saharan Africa, are at high risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Despite efforts by government and pressure groups in Zimbabwe regarding this issue, evidence on the ground shows that the greatest number of victims of the infections are adolescents, youths and women. This paper explores and explains the factors hindering the reduction of vulnerability of adolescents and young people in Harare, Zimbabwe. Much of the data was drawn using a desktop study. However, in-depth interviews with officials from government and selected pressure groups have been used to complement the desktop findings. It is noted that the reduction of vulnerability of adolescents and young people does not only call for behaviour change, as most pressure groups are advocating for, but for cultural and religious transformation in how sex and sexuality is viewed. Unless the cultural and religious belief systems are encouraged to understand the need to discuss sex and sexuality openly without stigma then will we realize reduction in adolescent and young people vulnerability to HIV and S.T.Is.