The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has raised concerns about the increasing rate of HIV infections among young women and girls.
According to media reports, UNICEF has warned about the high HIV rates among women, stating that many young women and girls lack access to prevention and treatment for the disease.
In its report, UNICEF revealed that in 2023, 96,000 girls and 41,000 boys aged 15-19 were infected with HIV, meaning 7 out of every 10 cases were among girls.
In Africa, 9 out of 10 new HIV infections among young people aged 15-19 were found in girls.
UNICEF’s Associate Director for HIV/AIDS, Anvrita Bains, said, “Children and adolescents are not fully benefiting from access to treatment and prevention services. There should be priority in investing resources and making treatment available to children living with HIV.”
