A response to the blog-post “HIV thrives on poverty”. The young volunteers who are involved in the fight against HIV get nothing in return.

I come from a country whose HIV prevalence is one of the highest in the world (15.3%). There are thousands of organizations responding to AIDS and most of them focus on prevention of new infections. I see young HIV educators volunteering and getting nothing in return while those at the top, sit on the budget and decide what young people should do.

I am saddened that young people are being used for selfish gains of project leaders and managers.

If the AIDS response is a charity and voluntary fraternity, then let it be for everyone not just young people!

Today, young people are concerned about their future. They want jobs and a good life. As such, only a few young people are willing to get involved in the fight against AIDS voluntarily. They ask, how long shall I be a volunteer? As a young person, I want to have a good career and not just work voluntarily for other people’s selfish gains.

The opinions expressed in this text are those of the author.