With half of all new HIV/AIDS cases occurring among 15- to 24-year-olds, IYF is partnering with a coalition of global youth movements to enhance health education and services targeting youth in Sub-Saharan Africa. The new initiative, "Empowering Africa's Young People: A Holistic Approach to Countering the HIV/AIDS Pandemic," seeks to expand outreach to youth through a continuum of services in prevention, care, and support. The Initiative is supported by the seven largest youth organizations in the world: the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, the World Organization of the Scout Movement, the World Alliance of YMCAs, the World YWCA, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Award Association , and IYF. Together, they represent a global network of more than 100 million young people -- including 20 million in Africa.

The Initiative, for which IYF serves as Secretariat, seeks to scale up already proven "best practice" programs in HIV/AIDS prevention within a number of Sub-Saharan African countries. Those programs include skills-based peer education, life skills, and livelihood projects. Advocacy against stigma and discrimination will also be a key feature of the Initiative.

To learn more about IYF's Health Education initiatives click here.