NERCHA survey: Young people still having unprotected sex despite access to condoms

A recent survey by the National Emergency Response Council on HIV/AIDS (NERCHA) has revealed that many young people in Eswatini continue to engage in unprotected sex despite having access to condoms, with partner pressure and financial hardship identified as key drivers.

The findings were presented during the National HIV Prevention Indaba currently underway at the Royal Villas, where stakeholders are discussing strategies to curb new HIV infections.

The survey also highlighted persistent gaps in HIV prevention knowledge despite years of awareness campaigns.

In addition, people living with HIV continue to face stigma and discrimination, which remains a barrier to prevention, testing and treatment efforts.

Speaking during a panel discussion on “The role of values in HIV prevention,” youth representative Tsidiswa Mhlanga said many parents were failing to spend quality time with their children, making it difficult to have open and honest conversations about sex, relationships and HIV prevention.

She said the lack of parental guidance leaves young people more vulnerable to risky sexual behaviour, increasing their chances of contracting HIV and contributing to further transmission.

Meanwhile, Reverend Johannes Mazibuko said parents could not expect young people to uphold strong moral values if they failed to model those values themselves.

He called for the revival of positive Siswati cultural practices, arguing that they should no longer be viewed as outdated or primitive but embraced as part of Eswatini’s efforts to prevent new HIV infections.

The National HIV Prevention Indaba, attended by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, has brought together government officials, legislators, faith leaders, young people and other stakeholders to discuss practical interventions aimed at reducing new HIV infections and strengthening HIV prevention across the country.