Inter Generational Dialogue;13 Sept.2014 ESA Commitment On 7 th December at Cape Town Ministers of Health and Education from 21 Countries in East and Southern Africa endorsed a commitment to improve Health Outcomes for healthy and productive Young people. This calls for Comprehensive Sexuality Education defined as correct, accurate, age appropriate, cultural sensitive information for making informed decision about one’s sexual life. 10 Commitments and 9 Targets to be achieved by 2020 Summed as creating favorable policies and legislative environment, providing accurate information and knowledge and improved access to ASRH services.

Why ESA commitment Less than 40% of Young People know basic information about HIV prevention 2.6 Million Young people are living with HIV 430,000 new HIV infection occur each year(50 per hour) Most new infections occur in young women YP have limited access to critical health services and these are often withheld because their age, marital status or other discriminatory laws Early pregnancy contributes to high dropout rates from education and poses a serious threat to the health or adolescent girls and high level maternal death. Cultural traditions and practices can act as a barrier rather than protecting the health and future of young people. Existing education and health initiatives are not fully implemented or are not fully resourced. Sexual and gender based violence affects 35% of young people.

The Dialogue questions Are the policies we have in Uganda favorable for CSE What are the risks associated improper management of ones Sexual and Reproductive Health? Should Sexuality Education be taught in schools Is all the information that we have on CSE helpful to us and who decides for you what is right and what is wrong. Is culture and Religion too conservative on Sexuality or is the information age overtaking us and eroding our values. Are the ASRH services accessible and youth friendly.

Take Home Messages Young People Today are the parents of tomorrow Rights come with responsibility Parents/elders have time for and listen to the Young People Young People be patient with the parents/elder..they love you! Please take initiative to open up with them; some do not know how to handle you! We need to value clarification for a new breed of young people Not all that you see, hear and smell is needed and to be consumed as it is…Need to decipher Young people are the leaders of today, not tomorrow.

Thank You Draecabo Charles National Professional Officer HIV, UNESCO C/O UNAIDS, P.O.BOX 24578, Kampala Uganda Plot 60, Prince Charles Drive, Kololo Mobile; E mail;