12.1.2010

On World AIDS Day, December 1, 2010, James Knight, U.S. Ambassador to Benin, and Kevin Armstrong, USAID Mission Director, launched an HIV/AIDS information campaign for Benin youth from the campus of Gasa University, in Cotonou. The Beninese Social Marketing Association (ABMS/PSI) initiated the campaign under the auspices of the National AIDS Control Program and the National Committee to Fight against AIDS, and with support from USAID. A variety of activities including conferences, a caravan, quizzes, information booths on HIV counseling and free HIV testing took place in various schools of Cotonou and its suburbs. The campaign lasted from December 1 to 11.

This year, activities focused on encouraging youth to adopt behaviors recommended to prevent HIV infection: abstinence, being faithful, correct and consistent use of condoms, and voluntary testing. Indeed, recent statistics point out that more young people than before are exposing themselves to sexually-transmitted diseases by engaging in sexual activity without the protection of a condom.

The drop in responsible behavior by youth calls for more appropriate strategies and resource allocation. "We need to become smarter about how we’re making investments with the goal of saving more lives," said Ambassador Knight, turning to partners and young people assembled in the campus of UATM Gasa University in Cotonou.

Emphasis should be placed on approaches that reach the youth without neglecting other vulnerable groups.

By working with partners, the U.S. Government and the American people, through USAID, intend to persevere in their commitment to building on successes made in fighting HIV / AIDS in Benin.