HIV and adolescents

© WHO

WHO recommendations "HIV and adolescents: Guidance for HIV testing and counselling and care for adolescents living with HIV" were launched today, in advance of World AIDS Day 2013, and are the first to address the specific needs of adolescents both for those living with HIV as well as those who are at risk of infection.  

Adolescents and young people are a vulnerable group to HIV infections. Adolescents (10-19 years), particularly girls, who live in settings with generalized HIV epidemic or who belong to key populations - men who have sex with men, injection drug users, sex workers, etc - continue to be at higher risk for HIV acquisition. In 2012, there were approximately 2.1 million adolescents living with HIV. Also, about one-seventh of all new HIV infections occur during adolescence.

"Adolescents face difficult and often confusing emotional and social pressures as they grow from children into adults,” says Dr Gottfried Hirnschall, Director of WHO HIV/AIDS Department. “Adolescents need health services and support, tailored to their needs. They are less likely than adults to be tested for HIV and often need more support than adults to help them maintain care and to stick to treatment.”

These guidelines provide specific recommendations and expert suggestions on prioritizing, planning and providing HIV testing, counselling, treatment and care services for adolescents.



Read more:  Guidance for HIV testing and counselling and care for adolescents living with HIV