The sexuality of young people and AIDS in Cameroon.

In response to the growing impact of AIDS in Cameroon and the large proportion of young people among the victims a research project in collaboration with the Studies in Social Behavior Department of the WHO Global Program against AIDS was conducted. The research entitled “The main characteristics learning methods practices descriptions and representations of sexuality by young Cameroonians aged between 125 and 30” was carried out in Yaounde the capital of Cameroon. Overall findings revealed that the sexual behavior of the Cameroonians appears to be constantly changing: parental and matrimonial systems are evolving the rules governing sexual control are changing and the position of women has become much more fragile since the introduction of long distance trade and due to the damaging effects of the colonial system inherited by modern Cameroon. Moreover initiation into sexuality occurs in a fairly haphazard way. Several practices are common which are well-known to favor the spread of HIV which include alcoholism among women sexual mutilation dry sex prostitution in prison cells and homosexuality. Despite the situation denominational schools are trying to set up support strategies for young people with a commitment of educating them on the issues of sexuality HIV/AIDS.