Adolescents (10–19 years old) and young adults (15–24 years old) represent a growing share of people living with HIV. Although adolescents living with HIV account for only 11% of global prevalence, they represent 44% of new infections.

As more HIV-positive children transition into adolescence and adulthood, there is concern that the HIV epidemic could be reignited. Continued work to support these young people is needed in order to maintain the progress that has been achieved and ensure they all have the opportunity to live long, productive lives.

Our Work with Adolescents

The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) is currently working in 16 countries to ensure that adolescents and young adults have access to the care they need. Across these countries, EGPAF executes global advocacy activities; implements HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs; and advances innovative research that can bring dramatic improvements to the lives of millions of youth. Through our work, diverse groups of adolescents have received HIV services, including: girls and young women, orphans and vulnerable children, in-school adolescents, pregnant teens, and young couples.

Through these interventions, EGPAF has reaching tens of thousands of adolescents with services ranging from psychosocial support groups, enrollment in antiretroviral treatment, and access to viral load testing. EGPAF staff also work closely with local healthcare workers to make services easier for adolescent to access and clinics more adolescent-friendly, including the establishment of adolescent corners in clinics, specially trained healthcare workers to work with adolescents seeking care, and the establishment of youth days where health services are offered on weekends so adolescents in school can access the care and treatment they need.