Over 100 young leaders in the country are expected to attend a 2018 National Youth Conference on HIV/AIDS and sexual and reproductive health and rights slated for this month in Lilongwe.

The conference which will take place at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) from June 20-21, is aimed at building capacity of youth leaders in the response against HIV and AIDS through mentorship.

Speaking to YFM, National Coordinator for Youth Consultative Forum, Linda Harawa said youth population in the country is greatly disadvantaged in matters of HIV and AIDS and sexual and reproductive health.

“Young people are supposed to be involved at all levels in the response against the disease because they are greatly affected so we thought it wise that they should be part of the conference,” Harawa said.

The National Youth Conference on HIV and AIDS and SRHR among others will provide a platform for participatory performance assessment and offer an opportunity to share progress, lessons, best practices, project ideas and direction of HIV and AIDS and SRHR programming.

It is anticipated that the conference will contribute towards improved youth participation and leadership in HIV and AIDS and SRHR programming in Malawi.