HIV Age of Access Policy Landscape
Jul 19, 2024
HIV Policy Lab, Center for Global Health Policy & Politics, SRHR Fund, SAT SRHR Africa Trust, Kelin, Hivos, Ayar EP, Center For Human Rights at the University of Pretoria, Global Network of Young People Living with HIV, APYIN
Download Unlocking Access Policy Brief (pdf)
Sub-Saharan Africa remains disproportionately impacted, with HIV/AIDS being the leading cause of death among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Globally, over a quarter of new HIV infections occur among young people and adolescents.
In the Global AIDS Strategy 2021-2026, UNAIDS calls for countries to address “structural and age- related legal barriers faced by adolescents” and “ensure adolescent and young key populations are reached with effective services early on.” Laws and policies setting the age of access to HIV services must not limit adolescent autonomy and the ability to independently access the services, tools, and resources to protect themselves and their health.
The HIV Policy Lab’s July 2024 issue brief “Unlocking Access: Reforming HIV Age of Access for Adolescents in Africa” examines age of access for HIV testing, treatment, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Africa and a human rights framework to support policy reform.