One-third of the world’s population, approximately 1.7 billion people, is between the ages of 10 and 24. Today’s generation of young people is the largest the world has ever known. In general, young people are healthier and more educated today than previous generations. Nonetheless, young people, particularly young women, face significant challenges that obstruct them from meeting their full potential. 

• Forty-five percent of new HIV infections occur in young people aged 15-24.
• Complications from pregnancy, childbirth and unsafe abortions are the major causes of morbidity and mortality for young women between the ages of 15 – 19 years in the developing world. 
• Furthermore, approximately 20 percent of women under age 24 have human papillomavirus (HPV) which causes almost all cervical cancers.

Sexually active youth in developing countries need access to confidential, low-cost, and youth-friendly contraceptive services to delay too-early childbearing and protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection.  All young people have the right to information about sexual health and access to contraceptive supplies and services.

Country Campaigns

Advocates for Youth along with partner organizations has special projects in Ethiopia, Jamaica, and Nigeria.  Explore their country pages to learn more!

In Ethiopia, Advocates for Youth and Ethiopia’s Talent Youth Association (TaYa) have partnered to create a youth leadership council. The council will advocate for the Ethiopian governments to: 1) increase access to modern contraceptives for young women ; and 2) secure youth representation in the decision-making process of national policies, program implementation, and evaluation on adolescent reproductive and sexual health.  Visit the Ethiopia campaign page.

In Jamaica, Advocates for Youth has partnered with Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network (JYAN) to create a youth leadership council to address issues of sexual and reproductive health in Jamaica. This leadership council, Jamaicans Safely Tackling Adolescent and Reproductive health--also known as J-STAR--is working towards meaningful youth participation at all levels and adbocating for greater integration of HIV/AIDS and family planning programs. Visit the Jamaica campaign page

In Nigeria, Advocates for Youth has partnered with Nigeria’s Education As A Vaccine Against AIDS (EVA) to create a youth leadership council, called the Youth Advocates Group (YAG). YAG’s primary objective is to improve the sexual and reproductive health of young people in Nigeria by advocating for adequate implementation of the ASRH policies with meaningful involvement of young people.  Visit the Nigeria campaign page

Learn More

Click on the map to view a profile of adolescent reproductive and sexual health and rights in the region.