The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has sounded the alarm on the persistently high rate of HIV infections among young women worldwide, revealing that approximately 4,000 girls aged 15 to 24 contract HIV each week globally.
This statistic was highlighted by Steve Aborishade, AHF Nigeria’s senior advocacy and marketing manager, during a statement on Wednesday in Lokoja, marking the 2025 International Day of the Girl (IDG).
Despite global progress in HIV prevention and treatment efforts, adolescent girls and young women continue to bear a disproportionate burden of the epidemic, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. AHF’s data indicates that more than 3,300 of these weekly infections occur in this region, which remains the epicentre of the HIV crisis.
In 2023 alone, an estimated 1.9 million adolescent girls and young women worldwide were living with HIV, compared to 1.2 million boys and young men of the same age group, underscoring a significant gender disparity in HIV prevalence among youth.
Beyond infection rates, education barriers compound the challenges faced by young girls. According to UNESCO, approximately 133 million girls globally are out of school, limiting their access to vital health information, economic opportunities, and the tools necessary for long-term well-being. AHF underscores that these gaps exacerbate vulnerabilities to HIV and other health risks.
In response, AHF Nigeria calls for increased investment in comprehensive HIV and sexually transmitted infection prevention, expanded testing and treatment services, and enhanced access to healthcare tailored specifically for adolescent girls and young women.
The foundation stresses the urgent need to tackle systemic issues such as period poverty, gender-based violence, child marriage, and inadequate sexuality education—recognised drivers of health inequality.
“Empowering girls through education, health services, and social support is essential to closing the HIV gap and achieving sustainable development goals,” AHF stated in its communique.
The organisation also urges all stakeholders—government bodies, civil society, and community leaders—to amplify girls’ voices, celebrate their achievements, and advocate for policies safeguarding their rights and futures.
To commemorate the 2025 International Day of the Girl, observed annually on October 11, AHF Nigeria will host an educational event on October 10 at Community Commercial Secondary Schools in Ikot Oku, Ubo, Offort, and Uyo, all in Akwa Ibom State. The event’s focus will be on protecting girls from HIV, promoting educational attainment, and highlighting their contributions to society.
Echey Ijezie, AHF Nigeria’s country programme director, highlighted persistent challenges such as poor menstrual health management, gender-based violence, and limited reproductive health services.
The event will feature menstrual hygiene education, leadership talks, and a platform for girls to present innovative ideas, with awards presented to standout initiatives. Sanitary pads will be distributed free of charge, and participating girls will gain access to mentorship and leadership development programmes.
AHF is the largest global non-profit organisation providing HIV/AIDS healthcare, delivering services and advocacy to more than 2.5 million people across 50 countries, including Nigeria.
