Our Work › Adolescents, Youth, and HIV

Supporting Adolescents, Strengthening Futures

As more children living with HIV transition into adolescence and young adulthood, ensuring they continue to receive care is critical. Without tailored programs for this age group, the gains of the global HIV response risk being lost. Adolescents living with HIV face unique medical, social, and developmental challenges — from navigating disclosure and stigma to balancing school, work, and relationships — making adolescent-focused care essential for long-term health.

Get The Facts

In 2023, approximately 1.57 million adolescents aged 10–19 were living with HIV globally.
Of the adolescents aged 10–19 living with HIV, only 64% were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2024.
In 2023, 77% of new HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women occurred in sub-Saharan Africa.

Tailored Programs for Youth

Across the countries where we work, EGPAF designs and implements HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs specifically for adolescents—meeting them where they are, and helping them build healthy, empowered futures. We also lead global advocacy and drive innovative research to improve outcomes for millions of young people affected by HIV.

Our programs reach diverse groups

including girls and young women, orphans and vulnerable children, pregnant teens and young mothers, and young couples. We offer:

HIV education

through facilities, schools, and community-based programs

Comprehensive treatment

including access to advanced antiretroviral regimens

Community support services

to improve knowledge, build confidence, and reduce stigma

Differentiated Care, Designed for Adolescents

EGPAF’s adolescent-centered care models adapt to the needs and realities of each young person. These approaches include:

  • Peer mentors who provide encouragement and treatment support
  • Age-specific Ariel children and teen clubs
  • Adolescent-friendly clinic spaces and flexible hours aligned with school schedules
  • Community health workers supporting young mothers

These tailored approaches increase retention in care, improve viral suppression, and empower adolescents to take ownership of their health.

Peer-Led Psychosocial Support

Peer connections are powerful. EGPAF harnesses that power through psychosocial support groups that complement clinical care. The Ariel Club model provides a safe, affirming space for adolescents living with HIV to connect with trained peers, discuss challenges like disclosure and stigma, and stay on track with treatment.

Youth-driven tools—such as cartoons used in group discussions—help spark open, age-appropriate conversations about sensitive topics, from relationships to long-term health.

Supporting Pregnant Adolescents

Pregnant adolescents face a higher risk of HIV infection, mother-to-child transmission, and poor health outcomes. EGPAF supports these young mothers with compassionate, community-based care—empowering them to stay healthy, continue their education, and provide for their children.

By addressing the full picture of an adolescent girl’s life—her family, peers, school, and community—we help her and her child thrive.

Adolescents deserve care and opportunities that reflect their unique needs.

Support programs that empower youth, reduce stigma, and provide lifesaving HIV treatment — and help build a generation free from HIV.

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Keep Reading

Adolescents face unique challenges in staying healthy and thriving with HIV. Read more stories about young people, peer support programs, and innovative care models that are helping youth live long, healthy, and empowered lives.

Uganda Path

Story

Walking the Path to Wellness

Published January 2025

Patricia Mbabazi’s smile fills the room as she attentively listens to Mahoro Florah, a matron at her school in Kisoro—in southwest Uganda, near the Rwanda border. Patricia, 16, is alive and healthy today, but it has been a difficult path to well-being—with Mahoro alongside her for much of the journey.  At the age of 2, […]

Topics:

General,

Orphan and Vulnerable Children,

Pediatric HIV

Countries:

Uganda

Story

A Change of Plans

Published December 2024

Ismail Harerimana stands out with his personal style and passion for supporting young people. As the co-publisher of a magazine, Kigezi Teens, Ismail is influencing teens in his community and making a lasting difference. But he did not always see himself as a media mogul. His early dreams were of joining the military until he […]

Topics:

Adolescents

Countries:

Uganda

Story

#YouthLead for the Future

Published September 2024

As leaders from around the world gather for the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, one word is on everyone’s mind: Future. World leaders are responsible for acting and making a better future, but it is young people who will live with the successes or consequences of those actions. We reached out to […]

Topics:

Adolescents,

General

Countries:

Democratic Republic of Congo,

Eswatini,

Kenya,

Lesotho,

Malawi