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AIDS was first discovered over 25 years ago. Yet today, 6,800 people will be infected with HIV. Of the 2.5 million people infected yearly, young people ages 15-24 account for 40 percent of new infections. Poverty, unemployment, a lack of education, sexual violence and gender inequality increase the vulnerability of young people to HIV infection.
11.4 million children and adolescents have been orphaned by AIDS and are now heads of households, as we lose an entire generation of parents, teachers, workers and doctors in many regions. Although world leaders committed that by 2005, 90% of young people would know how to protect themselves from infection, currently in the hardest hit countries, currently less than 40% of young men and less than 36% of young women can correctly identify how to prevent HIV.
Despite the debilitating effects of AIDS, young leaders are taking action in their communities to prevent the spread of the disease and to address the devastating consequences of the pandemic. In fact, evidence shows that young people are most effective at changing the risk behaviors of their peers and at shaping a better future for themselves and their families.
The Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GYCA) recognizes the potential of young leaders as the best force to address AIDS in their own communities, and empowers them with the knowledge, skills, resources and opportunities they need to scale up and expand their initiatives. GYCA links young leaders to mentors, funders, scholarships, information, training resources, and political advocacy opportunities to ensure that HIV interventions for young people are relevant and successful.
See what GYCA members are up to
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Remembering Thembi Ngubane,
Young HIV Activist and Advocate
GYCA was saddened by news of the passing of Thembi, fellow activist and inspiration to many. Even though she has passed away, her undying commitment to changing the face of HIV in South Africa and throughout the world will live on.
aids2031
Young Leaders Summit!
aids2031, in collaboration with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador HRH Crown Princess Mette-Marit, will hold a 2nd Young Leaders Summit in Oslo 23-25 June, 2009 to unite young leaders in the ongoing fight against AIDS related stigma and discrimination. GYCA has been active on the youth-led planning committee and looks forward to the outcome!
Voices from the Field!
Check out the great work that GYCA's five small grant recipients are doing by visiting their monthly blog.
AIDS: an opportunity to
spark political change
The World AIDS Campaign Global Steering Committee recently met with Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. Check out what was said on the World AIDS Campaign homepage.
ICASA 2008 Youth Programme
Report Released!
Read all about the success of the youth programme, organized by GYCA's South Secretariat, at the 2008 ICASA conference in Dakar, Senegal, here.
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