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World AIDS Day: How Gen Z are filling gaps in sex education [1]
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Date: 2025-01
Despite growing up in different African countries, we share a common school memory: Classes singing “Say No to HIV” songs with a chorus about HIV being a death penalty. For those of us aware of our HIV status, chiming in consolidated our shame and compounded our secrecy, causing loneliness and fear. For those of us who tested positive later (most new HIV diagnoses are adolescents), we recalled this education with terror.
Our teachers discussed abstinence, sin and responsibilities. We had no understanding of contraception, consent or how to maintain healthy relationships. Sex education was, and still is, sidelined to an awkward maths or geography teacher cringing by the blackboard: “An empty crisp packet won’t work as a condom”. Thanks for the advice!
Little wonder then, that recent research by 2gether 4 SRHR, a Regional Joint UN Programme in Eastern and Southern Africa (the epicentre of the HIV crisis) identified huge knowledge gaps in the general public’s understanding of sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Research found that common questions asked on Google across the region included: What can I drink to prevent pregnancy? How do I make a homemade morning-after pill? Can black seed oil cure HIV? Can frogs or snakes treat infertility? What can I use to clean my womb? Can you get HIV in 20 seconds?
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With only the University of Google to (mis)guide us, we have all acted in our own ways to address misinformation, using digital technology, grassroots networks, and most importantly, our voices.
We are all members of the UNITED! Movement, which brings together youth leaders including networks of young people living with HIV (Y+Global) and those leading change in the Sexual Reproductive Health space (AFRIYAN).
People on TikTok usually post sad depressing content on HIV, which frightens people from taking the very medication which can save their lives. Ruele’s following on tik tok blew up when he started taking antiretroviral medication in public places in Kenya, such as church, the supermarket, or even the police station. Initially, Ruele received hateful homophobic comments, but the response has now switched from life-threatening to life-giving. After launching a podcast, Sex Ed by Ruele-ations, Ruele got a message from someone in Philippines, who had been considering suicide, but now had hope.
Selma has also launched a podcast in Namibia speaking out about sexual health issues society normally finds taboo. Even admitting young people are having sex is the first step. How else can Health Ministries map the needs of young people and provide adequate access to information, contraception, healthcare and support?
She got a lot of backlash at first because people assumed she was recommending sex positions. But rather, the Sex Talks Podcast is about debunking the fear around the word sex. It’s about health advice and the pros and cons of certain contraceptives. The pod has informed listeners about symptoms of STIs, led to them getting tested and treated and referred many to youth friendly clinics for services.
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[1] Url:
https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/gen-z-hiv-aids-google-misinformation-fake-news-sex-education/
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