In 1993, for instance, only about 5 per cent of sexually active Ivorian boys and girls between the ages of 15 and 19 used condoms. By 1998, one third of sexually active teenagers in that age group reported always using condoms. This was after AIDS education messages reached them. Youth engage in risky behaviour in part because of a knowledge gap. Parents, who are often uneducated and uninformed themselves, cannot help.
Cultural obstacles are another factor.
It is still taboo in many families in my country to discuss sex or sexually transmitted infections. Girls in particular are often reluctant or unable to enquire about sex for fear of being considered morally 'loose'. The lack of accurate information from a parent or another close family member is a tragedy. We can, however, turn this into an opportunity. Because young people can and do speak honestly to one another about their concerns when they have the information and the confidence to impart it.