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Youth AIDS advocates present national youth shadow reports to UN High Level Meeting on AIDS

published: 11 Jun 2008 — 9:19

last modified: 12 Jun 2008 — 9:45

World YWCA

The voice of young people has not been forgotten at the UN High Level Meeting on AIDS currently taking place in New York. The Global Youth Coalition on HIV and AIDS (GYCA) has produced ten youth shadow reports to present at the meeting, in its seven-year review. Their research, findings and analysis will set the tone for needs and priorities that must be taken into account during High Level Meetings.

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.Despite this alarming statistic, few governments bother to collect data specifically on youth.

Youth are at higher risk of HIV infection because they lack access to the crucial information, education, and services to protect themselves. However, their needs are often ignored when data is collected and strategies on HIV and AIDS are drafted, policies developed, and budgets allocated.

The World YWCA has also been lobbying for young people while attending the High Level Meeting on AIDS. Their statement to the meeting called for strong leadership and accountability by governments for effective and sustainable solutions to the AIDS pandemic that meets girl’s needs. The World YWCA has demanded governments fulfil their promises and remove barriers that prevent girls from accessing services that ensure their health and wellbeing.