New HIV infections among youth decline, but teenage pregnancy remains a concern
Written by Mohale FM on September 24, 2025
Adolescent Health Programs Manager at the Ministry of Health, ‘Mathato Nkuatsana, has said the new HIV infections among young people are on the decline, urging efforts to sustain this positive trend.
Speaking during a roundtable discussion with the Social Cluster Committee in Maseru, Ms Nkuatsana revealed that HIV prevalence among youth aged 15 to 24 has dropped from 9.6% in 2010 to 4.4% last year. She called on Parliament to support the expansion of youth-friendly services in all districts, including access in schools and communities, and to strengthen life skills programs for young people.
However, she raised concern over the high rate of teenage pregnancies, noting that many young girls are becoming pregnant for various reasons despite being too young.
Meanwhile, the Committee Chairperson, Mokhothu Makhalanyane, highlighted the need for open discussions on teenage pregnancy, child marriages, abuse, and HIV to find sustainable solutions. The Thaba-Tseka legislator, ‘Mamamello Holomo, added that some challenges facing youth are rooted in parental attitudes and harmful traditional beliefs, particularly in rural areas, where discussing contraceptives is often wrongly seen as promoting immorality.
