Youth and Universal Access

Youth Country Teams Assess their Governments' Progress on Youth and HIV Globally

1.7 billion young people aged 10-24 make up one quarter of the world's population. Approximately 40% of all new HIV infections occur among young people between 15-24 years of age, and there are 5.4 million young people living with HIV. Young people are the face of HIV. We are at higher risk of HIV infection cause we lack access to the crucial information, education, and services to protect themselves. However, our needs are often ignored when data is collected and strategies on HIV and AIDS are drafted, policies developed, and budgets allocated. With only two years left to achieve the UNGASS goals and targets, young people are actively participating in the tracking and reporting of UNGASS commitments.

This fact sheet summarizes the commitments that were made by member states regarding youth in 2001; the additional language included in the Political Declaration in 2006; data that highlights the current status of the HIV and AIDS pandemic; and some of the key social, cultural, and political barriers to effective HIV prevention for youth. Finally, it issues a call to action to fulfi ll the commitments made in 2001 and re-affirmed in 2006 to achieve a world without HIV and AIDS.