HIV is spreading faster among teenage girls and young women than in any other group in South Africa. (Reuters)
The data is stark and incontrovertible: HIV is spreading faster among teenage girls and young women than in any other group in South Africa.
Almost four out of every 10 new HIV infections in the country occur among women between the ages of 15 and 24 — an infection rate up to four times that of their male peers.
The key driver? Age-disparate sex.
Watch our live stream here:
The Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism invites you to a policy dialogue at the 9th South African Aids Conference on the effects of blessers and blessees on HIV transmission, and possible solutions to the situation.
Hear from young women, sexual and reproductive rights activists and HIV experts about what can be done to protect young women.
Panellists include:
- Yogan Pillay, deputy director-general, South African National Department of Health
- Salim Abdool-Karim, director, Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa (Caprisa)
- Lerato Mafokeng, deputy chairperson, South African National Aids Council’s (SANAC) youth sector
- Mandisa Dlamini, founder and director, Gugu Dlamini Foundation
- Helen Rees, founder and executive director, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute
- Natsayi Chimbindi, epidemiologist, Africa Health Research Institute
The panel will be moderated by Mia Malan, executive director and editor-in-chief of Bhekisisa.