This issue of the newsletter explores how research results can be used to prevent unintended pregnancies and HIV infection among youth. More than 85 percent of the world's youth -- defined by the World Health Organization as people from 15 to 24 years old -- live in developing countries. Many of these young women and men are sexually active, and many are at risk of both unintended pregnancies and HIV infection.
We are pleased to share what we have learned about the evidence-based services, education, and support young people need to protect their sexual and reproductive health. We would also like to hear your experiences, ideas, and feedback. Please send us your comments.
Reviewing the Evidence
The World Health Organization and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Interagency Task Team on Young People completed the first systematic review of interventions to prevent HIV among youth. From 80 studies, a handful of evidence-based interventions emerged that are ready for widespread implementation.
Improving Services
Traditional HIV counseling and testing services provide information only about HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Family Health International and its partners have developed a job aid that helps counselors share more comprehensive reproductive health information with their clients.
Educating Youth
A set of 24 standards can make curriculum-based reproductive health and HIV education programs more effective. The standards address creating and adapting a curriculum, developing the curriculum's content and approach, and implementing the curriculum.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Helping young people navigate the challenges of adolescence requires approaches that reach beyond attempts to modify behavior. Modifying the social environment is important, too, because community expectations influence or even determine individual behavior.
Caring for Young People with HIV
Sabrina Bakeera-Kitaka, MD, discusses some of the needs of young people with HIV. Dr. Bakeera-Kitaka is the head of adolescent programs at the Paediatric Infectious Diseases Clinic (PIDC) at Mulago Hospital, in Uganda.
