In sub-Saharan Africa, adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) account for 74% of new HIV infections among people aged 15-24.1 This is roughly 360,000 AGYW a year – about 1,000 AGYW per day. AGYW experience converging social, cultural, economic, and political factors that undermine their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), which makes them vulnerable to HIV infection.

In South Africa alone, about 102,000 new HIV infections occur among AGYW each year. Innovative and country-specific approaches that holistically address the risk factors of AGYW are critical for effective HIV prevention.