Prevention among Young People
Despite the fact that half of all new infections are among young people aged 15-24, studies have shown that many young people lack the knowledge and skills on how to protect themselves, especially among youth most at risk for engaging in risk behavior or already practicing risky behaviours. These groups may include migrants, out-of-school ethnic minorities or young people in institutions. With the fast pace of globalization and the opening up of China, adolescents are facing an increasing number of decisions regarding their lives.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. UNICEF places high priority on prevention among adolescents, and through collaboration with the governmental and non-governmental partners, UNICEF has
- Conducted qualitative and quantitative research with academic institutions on vulnerabilities of young people, so that more targeted interventions and communication strategies are formulated to better help young people stay away from risky behaviors;
- Developed life-skills education manuals for HIV/AIDS and drug prevention among school children, out-of-school-youth, and children in institutionalized care, so that these young people build skills in decision-making, negotiation, conflict resolution, critical thinking, and communication in order to improve their self confidence and ability to make informed choices about postponing sex and avoiding drugs;
- Mobilized youth participation. In April 2006, the first group of "Unite for children, unite against AIDS" Youth Ambassadors were selected from all over China - young people who have demonstrated that facing AIDS, they can be a force for change. These Youth Ambassadors have pledged to learn, share and care – learn the facts on AIDS, share knowledge with friends, and care for families affected by AIDS;
- Fight stigma and discrimination, which are the greatest barriers to HIV/AIDS prevention, through public information campaigns and celebrity advocates. A first step to ending stigma and discrimination is to "know the facts on AIDS".
Films with a Message － The UN supports Youth Red Ribbon Initiative in AIDS Prevention among Migrant
