Citation

Sakala F. AIDS STD Health Promot. Exch. 1996; (1): 10-11.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, Southern Africa AIDS Information Dissemination Service)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12347177

Abstract

Zambia has experienced considerable economic decline over the past few decades. This decline has led to considerable hardship in both urban and rural areas. Zambian youth and women are particularly at risk from the consequent high crime rate, rape, teenage pregnancy, prostitution, abortion, and HIV/STDs. Moreover, the health of these individuals is heavily influenced by the prevalence of unprotected casual sex and the use of alcohol, cigarettes, and other drugs. Their rights to education, social support, health information, and legal protection therefore need to be emphasized, especially within the context of HIV/AIDS programs. Early marriage, female subservience to men, polygamy, obstacles to wife inheritance, and the ritual sexual cleansing of widows makes young women especially vulnerable to HIV/STDs. The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) of Zambia addresses many of the critical needs of young people and women through a series of programs and activities. Some of these programs and activities are described.

Language: en