HIV/AIDS

Y Care International places strong emphasis on this area of work, recognising that young people are one of the most vulnerable groups at risk of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections.

It is estimated that more than 10 million young people aged 15-24 are living with HIV. This age group represents about 40% of all new HIV infections worldwide.

Although many men and women become sexually active during adolescence, young people often face significant barriers to getting the information, services and education they need. Some of the biggest barriers are social norms and cultural taboos about young people’s sexuality. The need to provide relevant services and information to young people on HIV/AIDS and sexual and reproductive health has never been so great.

Access to comprehensive sexual health education, information, and services that are based on respect for young people and their choices can help young people establish healthy attitudes and behaviours that remain with them for the rest of their lives.

Young people have a crucial role to play in responding to and mitigating the impact of HIV/AIDS at local, national and global levels. Y Care International works in partnership with young people worldwide through the YMCA movement to empower and equip them to do this.

Y Care International supports several projects which aim to enable effective HIV prevention, care and support, counter HIV/AIDS related stigma and discrimination, as well as empower young people and their communities to address inequalities that compound vulnerability to HIV.