Messages given to adolescents and young adults during initiation ceremonies and their relation to HIV/AIDS
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Date
2015
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Namibia Press
Abstract
According to Namibia’s national population census, the total population of the
country stood at 2,113,077 people distributed over its 14 political regions (NSA,
2014). Of this, 43.1% of the population inhabited urban areas, and 56.9% lived in
rural areas. The average household size in Namibia is 4.4. The population under the age of 15 stands at 760,707 (36%) while the population aged 15 years and above is 1,352,369 (64%). The employed population, which includes part-time and seasonal employment, stands at 690,019 (70.4%) and the total population that is unemployed is 290,762 (29.6%) (NSA, 2014). Human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is regarded as one of the biggest threats to economic development in sub-Saharan Africa. HIV is acquired through the transmission of bodily fluids such as blood, vaginal fluids and semen. It is mostly contracted through sex (both heteroand homosexual) that involves the exchange of bodily fluids between individuals. Once it has entered the body, it compromises the individual’s immune system and weakens the body’s ability to fight diseases. In its most advanced stage, it develops from a viral infection to a disease that can lead to disability and death. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest HIV prevalence, globally, and is termed the worst affected region and is widely regarded as the ‘epicentre’ of the global HIV epidemic.
Description
Keywords
Adolescents, HIV/AIDS
Citation
Haihambo, C.K. (2015). Messages given to adolescents and young adults during initiation ceremonies and their relation to HIV/AIDS. In K.C. Chinsembu, A. Cheikhyoussef, & D. Mumbengegwi (Eds.), Indigenous Knowledge of Namibia (pp. 331-359). Windhoek: UNAM Press.