Fighting HIV/AIDS with young people in China

Young people are at the center of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. On one hand, they are very vulnerable for HIV/AIDS, on the other hand they are the greatest hope in this struggle. Yet, the needs of this group are often disregarded when strategies are drafted and policies are made. However, the importance to involve youth actively in HIV/AIDS prevention strategies is more and more acknowledged. China is witnessing a rapid increase in HIV infections. The sexual behaviour among Chinese young people is changing quickly which will make them very vulnerable to HIV and research has found that their HIV/AIDS knowledge and awareness is low. Also the involvement of youth in the development of HIV/AIDS prevention strategies in China is very low. With the support of UNFPA, the China Family Planning Association together with students from People's University and Peking University, founded the first HIV/AIDS youth network, covering 30 counties in 30 different provinces.