Higher Education AIDS Conference kicks off in Durban
Health policy makers are turning to the youth in Durban for advice on how best to implement the country's HIV programmes for young people.
The Higher Education AIDS Conference gets underway at the ICC today.
Over the next three days, crucial talks will take place with young people in an effort to establish effective strategies.
Director, Ramneek Ahluwalia says the youth is central contributors to discussions around the epidemic.
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"Last year, the presidency asked for us to write the next national strategic plan of South Africa on HIV/TB and STIs. We all realised this is a youth epidemic," he said.
These include community-based programmes to educate those who've finished high school. Ahluwalia explains why it's so important.
"Young women - between the age of 15 to 24 - are the most vulnerable in the population affected by HIV/AIDS," he said.