Twenty four per cent of New Infections linked To Youth
09 Apr 2026
Concerns continue to mount over the high rate of HIV infections among young people in Botswana.
Out of 4 100 new HIV infections recorded in the country, 24 per cent are among young people, reveals the National AIDS and Health Promotion Agency (NAPHA) Acting Chief Information, Education and Communication Officer, Ms Kabo Ngombe.
In an interview, Ms Ngombe said, of the 360 000 young people aged between 15 and 24, an estimated 20 000 were currently living with HIV.
“These numbers point to a troubling reality despite years of awareness campaigns, prevention efforts are still not fully reaching those most at risk,” she says.
She stated that the challenge goes beyond general awareness, highlighting persistent gaps in knowledge among the youth.
“Some young people still do not have adequate knowledge. For instance, they are not fully aware of certain prevention programmes like PrEP, and condom use remains low,” she says.
Ms Ngombe also noted a rise in risky behaviour among young people, often linked to substance use.
“Alcohol and substance abuse play a role, and in some cases young people engage in transactional sex, exchanging sex for money or basic needs,” she says.
Access to services, she said remained a significant barrier.
“Many young people are not going for HIV testing or using prevention services, partly because clinic hours clash with school schedules. At the same time, young women are more likely to seek health services than young men, leaving a gap in testing and treatment,” she says.
Ms Ngombe further said that while programmes such as Comprehensive Sexuality Education and youth-friendly services were being implemented by government,the high number of infections suggested that more still needed to be done.
“We need approaches that speak to the realities of young people and ensure services are accessible and relevant to them,” she says.
She added tha government would continue introducing new interventions in the fight against HIV, while urging young people to stay safe and take responsibility for their health. ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : Taboka Ngwako
Location : Gaborone
Event : Interview
Date : 09 Apr 2026
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