On International Youth Day, AHF urges governments to prioritize the health, education, and opportunities young people need to thrive

As governments grapple with shrinking health budgets and uncertainty around global health funding, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) marks International Youth Day by urging world leaders to prioritize the needs of young people. Strong support for their health, education, and economic prospects pays dividends throughout their lives and strengthens families, communities, and economies.

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On International Youth Day, AHF celebrates young people around the world and calls for greater investment in their health, education, economic opportunity, and ability to shape their own futures.

The need remains urgent. Globally, 370,000 people ages 15 to 24 acquired HIV in 2024, including 145,000 adolescents ages 15 to 19, while 93,000 children ages 14 and younger acquired HIV in 2025. In sub-Saharan Africa, adolescent girls and young women accounted for approximately 160,000 new HIV acquisitions in 2025, with incidence three to four times higher than among their male peers. These challenges come as funding for HIV prevention programs continues to decline.

“We already know many of the interventions that help young people lead healthier, more productive lives—youth-friendly health services, evidence-based and age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education, and safe spaces for learning and dialogue,” said Dr. Penninah Iutung, AHF Executive Vice President - Global. “AHF puts these approaches into practice through Girls Act, Boys2Men, and other youth-focused programs that build trust, strengthen peer networks, and equip participants with the knowledge and support to make informed decisions and become advocates for healthier communities.”

Supporting the next generation must also extend beyond healthcare. Governments must address youth unemployment, expand vocational training, improve educational attainment, and ensure access to basic necessities, including menstrual hygiene products for girls and young women. Parents and caregivers also have an essential role, and programs should encourage their positive involvement in young people’s health, education, and development while fostering greater confidence and independence.

International Youth Day, commemorated each year on Aug. 12, reminds us that decisions made today will shape the health and opportunities of an entire generation. Even in difficult fiscal times, resources directed toward young people are not an expense to be deferred—they are essential to building healthier, more resilient, and more prosperous societies.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the world’s largest HIV/AIDS healthcare organization, provides cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to more than 3 million people across 50 countries, including the U.S. and in Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region, and Eastern Europe. In January 2025, AHF received the MLK, Jr. Social Justice Award, The King Center’s highest recognition for an organization leading work in the social justice arena. To learn more about AHF, visit us online at AIDShealth.org, find us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

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Strong support for young people's health, education, and economic prospects pays dividends throughout their lives and strengthens families, communities, and economies.