The Impact of HIV/AIDS on Uganda’s Youth: Challenges and Interventions
Munyaneza F. K.
Faculty of Medicine Kampala International University Uganda
ABSTRACT
HIV/AIDS continued to be a critical public health challenge in Uganda, with young people aged 15-24 disproportionately affected by the epidemic. This review article explored the multifaceted impact of HIV/AIDS on Uganda’s youth, focusing on the social, economic, and psychological challenges they face, as well as the barriers to healthcare access and effective treatment. It highlighted the pervasive stigma and discrimination that hinder HIV-positive youth from seeking care, the economic barriers that limitaccess to essential services, and the geographical disparities that exacerbate healthcare inequity. The review also examined the psychological toll of living with HIV, emphasizing the need for better integration of mental health services into HIV care. Educational and preventive interventions, including comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and community outreach programs, are evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing HIV transmission among young people. Finally, the article offered recommendations for strengthening youth-friendly healthcare services, expanding peer support networks, and addressing economic inequalities. By adopting a multi-faceted approach that prioritizes the unique needs of young people, Uganda can make significant progress in mitigating the impact of HIV/AIDS on its youth population and safeguarding their future.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS prevention, Youth health, Stigma and discrimination, Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), Youth-friendly healthcare services.
CITE AS: Munyaneza F. K. (2024). The Impact of HIV/AIDS on Uganda’s Youth: Challenges and Interventions. IDOSR JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCES 9(2):92-97. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJAS/2024/9.2.929700