New HIV/Aids app for the youth
Johannesburg – Doctors Without Borders and Aviro Health have provided a platform for youths to speak freely about HIV/Aids infections, using a new app called Khetha.
Research shows that 39 percent of new SA HIV/Aids infections occur between the ages of 15 and 24.
The Khetha app is designed for those yearning for help to challenge the pandemic. According to Stats SA nearly 8 million South Africans live with HIV, and last year about 240 000 new infections were recorded.
The Khetha app is aimed at encouraging discussions around HIV/Aids, as well as knowledge-sharing.
HIV/Aids activist, Amangile Nxiba said: “What makes this app so special is that it is able to open up conversations with your friends. You also get accurate and correct information from the app, and it also gives you the tools before you go to the clinic and test.”
Government and several NGOs have provided many HIV/Aids programmes over the years, but the developers are sure this one has an edge on the competition.
E-health manager Damon Hacking said they involve the youth heavily in the process. “Right from the beginning when we designed what the educational content will be; we talked to a lot of youth. This is a mobile-based platform and we know that smartphone penetration is very high,” he said.