Dreams Programme to address gender disparities, Kaunda says
eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda says in a country where almost 2 000 young people are infected with HIV every week, the gathering of various health and HIV international research experts could not have come a better time.
He says young girls, mostly between the ages of 15 and 24, are most at risk.
He addressed delegates in Durban on Tuesday ahead of a planned international AIDS conference in the city in December.
Kaunda says it's why the city has come up with the Dreams Programme - a private-public sector joint venture which hopes to address gender disparities which contribute to a high HIV infection rate.
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"According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/Aids an alarming 1 975 young girls and women become infected with HIV every week.
"Importantly, the Dream Programme has a component that is targeting boys and young women and young men because gender inequality plays a critical role in putting women in a risky situation."
