The young people of Eastern Province have not been sidelined from the traumas and pains that the HIV pandemic has brought. It is unfortunate to note that Chipata represents the highest infection rate of 26.3% in Zambia of the countries average infection rate of 16%. Youths represent three-quarters of those infected.

Several reasons have been given as regard to the higher infection rate in Chipata and Katete. One of which is that of Chipata being situated at the Zambia - Malawi boarder, and Katete being situated at the Zambia- Mozambique boarder. These two boarders have a higher number of sexual workers, as they are transit areas.

Poverty is one another factor that has contributed to the high rate of the pandemic in Chipata District in particular. Therefore the young people are left with no choice but to look at means of how they can make their needs met. This has faced some youths to get involved in drugs, sex work and many other vices that make them vulnerable to the HIV pandemic.

YDF,which is an NGO i work for, has identified this problem and realized its aim for the young people.

Coming up with suitable ways and modes on how it would reduce the pandemic rate is its endeavourer.

YDF wish to come up with programmes that will directly look at the need of the young people on HIV/AIDS. To reduce and to take action on HIV/AIDS issues among the young people. YDF intends to:

· Promote a youth friendly environment were issues of HIV and AIDS issues will be discussed.

· Conduct public and official sitting on the HIV and AIDS pandemic

· Empower the HIV and AIDS infected and affected youths with sustainable projects to enable them to run their daily activities.

· It also wishes to conduct debates to challenge myths and stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS.