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More than twenty five years into the HIV/AIDS pandemic, it remains one of the most serious challenges to global public health. Almost a quarter of people living with HIV are under the age of 25. At the end of 2006, in 45 states with reporting, almost 46,000 young people ages 13-24 were living with HIV, comprising about sixteen percent of all HIV infections. But experts believe young people may suffer from up to 30 percent of all cases of HIV in the United States
Globally, young people ages 15-24 represent 45 percent of all new HIV infections. At least 95 percent of all new infections occur in less developed countries—sub-Saharan Africa is the hardest hit region, followed by the Caribbean. Eastern Europe and central Asia are experiencing some of the fastest growing HIV prevalence rates.
If you are conducting research on young people and HIV, check out Advocates’ HIV Prevention Research Guide for the most recent news, scholarly research, and publications from a variety of sources.
Youth and HIV—General Facts
HIV and Youth in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Youth living in low- and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected by HIV and AIDS. Of the 11.8 million HIV-infected youth worldwide, over seven million are female. Further, less than one-third of young people worldwide know how to protect themselves from HIV. The following publications specifically address the issues facing youth living in these areas.
Redressing HIV Disparities among Young People
Young people in the United States continue to be at risk for HIV and AIDS. At the end of 2006, in 45 states with reporting, almost 46,000 young people ages 13-24 were living with HIV, comprising about sixteen percent of all HIV infections. Youth of color and young men who have sex with men continue to be most at risk. It is important to promote programs that seek to lessen risky sexual behaviors by encouraging condom use, delay in sexual initiation, partner reduction, and early HIV testing and treatment. But research has shown that even when risk factors are equal, minority youth are more at risk for HIV. The following resources address the disproportionate impact of HIVand AIDS on these young people as well as the underlying social forces that contribute to these disparities.
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