Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) has underscored the need for the government to start providing HIV/AIDS messages in primary and secondary schools in order to reduce adolescents’ vulnerability to the pandemic.

Speaking to YFM, the Executive Director for MHEN, George Jobe said it is not surprising that adolescents are vulnerable to HIV/AIDS because the government has focused much on the family planning.

“We have noted that some of the recent projects seem not to focus on prevention and abstinence but they are focusing on family planning, making sure that girls do not get pregnancies that is why this is not astonishing that the youth are more vulnerable to HIV and AIDS,” Jobe said.

He however commended the government for its efforts in combating the epidemic in the country saying Malawi has managed to reduce the prevalence rate from 14% to 8%.

“There have been efforts nationally in the fight against HIV and AIDS and very commendable-we have seen the fruits of the same,” Jobe added.