AHF Nigeria HIV alarm highlights rising infections among young women, urging global action to improve health access and education for adolescent girls

AHF Nigeria HIV alarm has sparked renewed concern over the increasing rate of infections among young women, with the organisation revealing that around 4,000 girls aged 15 to 24 contract HIV every week globally.

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The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria, through its Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager, Mr Steve Aborishade, sounded the warning in Lokoja on Wednesday as part of activities marking the 2025 International Day of the Girl.

According to AHF, the figures remain deeply troubling despite progress in global HIV prevention.

More than 3,300 of these weekly infections occur in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions to protect adolescent girls and young women.

“In 2023 alone, 1.9 million girls and young women were living with HIV worldwide,” the statement read.

“This compares to 1.2 million boys and young men in the same age group, underscoring a severe gender disparity in HIV prevalence among youth.”

The foundation also raised concern about education barriers, noting that 133 million girls globally remain out of school, cutting them off from vital pathways to health, empowerment, and economic independence.

AHF Nigeria called for increased investment in HIV and STI prevention, testing, and treatment, as well as improved access to healthcare and reproductive health services for adolescent girls.

The organisation further urged policymakers to tackle period poverty, gender-based violence, and child marriage key factors that continue to fuel inequality and health risks.

Dr Echey Ijezie, Country Programme Director of AHF Nigeria, stressed the need for collective action to safeguard the future of young women.

He announced that the foundation would host an educational event on October 10 at Community Commercial Secondary School, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to commemorate the 2025 International Day of the Girl.

“The event will feature menstrual hygiene education, leadership talks, and innovation showcases by girls,” Dr Ijezie said.

“Free sanitary pads will be distributed, and participants will be linked to mentorship and leadership opportunities.”

He added that civil society partners, government representatives, and the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Women Affairs would attend the programme to show solidarity and support.

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the world’s largest non-profit HIV/AIDS healthcare provider, currently delivers medical services and advocacy to over*2.5 million people across 50 countries, including Nigeria.

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AHF Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to amplifying girls’ voices, celebrating their achievements, and advocating for policies that uphold their rights, health, and opportunities for a brighter, safer future.