Shock as HIV new infections double among girls aged 15-24 years

Furthermore, Tacaids epidemiology overview shows that new infections have decreased from 72,000 in the year 2016/17 to 60,000 people per year until 2022/23.

The decline was significant in all groups except the 15-24-year population and as of now 1,548,000 Tanzanians are living with HIV.

Tacaids acting executive director, Dr Jerome Kamwela, said older men, specifically between 30 and 60 years, have been identified as a major contributing factor to the rising prevalence among young girls.

He said serious attention is required at the societal level, noting that not only girls but also boys in the same age group pose significant risks due to environmental factors that encourage sexual relationships between individuals of different age groups.

"The community should look at this issue with utmost seriousness," Dr Kamwela urged.

"The interaction between young people and older men is creating a dangerous environment for the spread of the virus."

Dr Kamwela also pointed out that technological advancements, particularly the widespread use of mobile phones, have played a significant role in the increase.

He warned parents to be vigilant about their children's use of mobile phones, as many behavioural risks begin through the medium.

"Parents need to be very careful when allowing their children to own and use mobile phones because it is extremely difficult for parents to monitor how they use the devices, and many dangerous activities start with the gadgets," he advised.

A Dar es Salaam-based public health specialist, Mr Michael Mtayaona said accelerating public education about HIV/AIDS should be a priority.

"Currently, HIV education seems to have lost the earlier momentum, and people have started forgetting the disease as if it is no longer in existence,” he said.

The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) director at Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Dr Nyanda Ntinginya said parents should talk to their children about the disease.

"Education increases broad understanding and provides answers to burning questions about the disease,” he stressed.

For his part, the National Council of People Living with HIV in Tanzania (NACOPHA) executive director, Mr Deogratius Rutatwa said comprehensive sex education programmes should be implemented in colleges, universities, and communities.

He said the move will empower young people with knowledge about safe sex practices, including the disease ABC: (Abstaining from sex, Being faithful to one partner, and Condomising) to reduce the plight of infections.

“Community-based interventions engaging local leaders, parents, and youths as the targeted group are essential in creating supportive environments that promote healthy behaviours and empower young girls to protect themselves from HIV," he said.