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| © UNICEF/NYHQ2006-0942/Pirozzi |
Significant numbers of young people continue to be infected with HIV each year, and girls in sub-Saharan Africa, in particular, remain vulnerable.
Several countries with high HIV prevalence are seeing decreases in risky behaviour. Yet, significant numbers of young people continue to be infected with HIV. In 2007 there were 5.5 million young people living with HIV, with a disproportionate number of girls and young women. In Southern Africa young women are 2 – 4.5 times more likely to be infected. In Sub-Saharan Africa it is important to address the greater HIV risks to girls of multiple concurrent partnerships, intergenerational sex, transactional sex and gender-based violence.
Too few young people have comprehensive and correct knowledge about HIV and how to avoid transmission.
In countries with low-prevalence and concentrated epidemics, HIV prevention responses focused on adolescent risk behaviours – including injecting drug use, unprotected sex between males, and sex in exchange for gifts and money – should be a priority.
Learn more about preventing infection among adolescents and young people
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