Healthy Futures Begin with Investing in Young People, says AHF
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.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260812945353/en/ 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.
