 Johnson & Johnson Joins the International Youth Foundation
To Address HIV/AIDS in Zambia
The International Youth Foundation (IYF) is partnering with Johnson & Johnson to help strengthen an IYF-supported peer-to-peer HIV/AIDS prevention program in Zambia. The program – “Empowering Africa’s Young People Initiative (EAYPI)” – has had past success in Tanzania, Uganda, and areas within Zambia. New support from Johnson & Johnson will allow IYF to expand capacity building activities in five EAYPI peer education programs operating in 10 Zambia districts, primarily through training and technical assistance to peer educator supervisors, new educational tool kits, and the distribution of materials designed to change risky behaviors among youth participants.
Young people are particularly vulnerable to HIV/AIDS infection -- with girls ages 14 to 19 six times more likely to be infected than boys in the same age group. “We know from recent surveys that efforts to raise awareness around transmission of HIV/AIDS is an effective strategy among at-risk youth,” says William S. Reese, President and CEO of IYF. “So we are pleased that Johnson & Johnson is working with us to strengthen a program that is already helping young people to stay healthy and make better decisions in their lives.” |