BLANTYRE, Malawi — Privately owned radio station, Capital Radio is giving young people in Malawi an opportunity to talk freely on issues concerning sexuality, HIV and AIDS.

UNAIDS statistics puts the HIV prevalence in Malawi at 9.2 percent, one of the highest in the world. Young people account for 18 percent of new HIV infections, particularly those between the ages of 15 to 24.

UNAIDS attributes this to the lack of adequate sexual and reproductive health information among youth. Capital Radio’s program, known as “Umoyo Wabwino” (“Better Life”) seeks to address that.

The live program is co-hosted by Madalitso Phiri and Mc Farlane Mbewe. Phiri says the idea was hatched after observing that most youths in Malawi do not have a platform to openly discuss issues concerning HIV, largely because of the stigma that is associated it.

The radio show has already shown an impact. Executive Director of Nancholi Youths Organization, George Nedi, says that through the radio program, they have seen an increase in youngsters coming to have their blood tested at its Voluntary Testing and Counseling facility.