Adolescent Girls and Young Women

Photo ©Richard Lord, courtesy of the Population Council

 

AIDS is the leading cause of death among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa, where they have dramatically higher HIV prevalence than their male counterparts. Due to deeply ingrained, inequitable gender norms, girls’ and women’s access to health information, health and social services, and education is limited. Also, experiences of intimate partner violence increases their risk of HIV. These gendered barriers inhibit access to and retention in critical HIV prevention, care, and treatment services. SOAR is producing evidence to improve programming for adolescent girls and young women as well as inform efforts to identify and engage their male partners in HIV services.

 

Activities