‘Observational studies of pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa have shown that low serum vitamin A levels are associated with an increased risk of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. Vitamin A is cheap and easily provided through existing health services in low-income settings. It is thus important to determine the effect of routine supplementation of HIV positive pregnant women with this vitamin on the risk of MTCT of HIV, which currently results in more than 1000 new HIV infections e more...

'The world has nearly two billion 10 to 24 year olds; of these, 86 percent live in developing countries. While much literature on young people's health focuses on the problems and risks they face, there is a great deal of evidence that most get through the transition to adulthood without significant behavioral, social, or emotional difficulties. In fact, among this age group, positive changes in overall health have clearly outweighed the negative changes. Society must harness the energies of you more...

'This publication, which consists of two parts, underscores the importance of population issues, including reproductive health, as a critical component of national efforts to reduce poverty and achieve the MDGs. The first part highlights key arguments on the benefits to be gained when governments make reproductive health and rights a development priority. The second part includes the 'Stockholm Call to Action', a list of practical ways to invest in reproductive health which was endorsed by a num more...

With its white sand, sunny blue skies and cashew nut trees, Miramar Beach in the port city of Beira, Mozambique, has all the right ingredients to draw tourists from all over the world.

But that is not all this idyllic coastline attracts. 'The beach is fertile ground for the spread of the [HI] virus, because so many people's paths cross there,' said Victoria Machava, who works for the Beira municipal health department.

ARTH, an NGO working in western India has achieved remarkable success in driving awareness on reproductive health among rural women. Apart from running field clinics and fully equipped health centres in the region, the organisation also trains women to deal with emergencies.

Latin America and the Caribbean is a region with enormous wealth disparities. even in countries with strong economic growth, the main characteristic is a concentration of wealth among small groups and the remaining distribution among a large number of increasingly impoverished people. In the last few decades, the increase in poverty has mainly affected women and girls and this feminization of poverty has translated into the feminization of HIV/AIDS. Women who are young and poor are increasingly more...

In a country where male circumcision – and its cultural connotations – have been the stuff of contention, a pilot project has been launched to roll out the HIV/AIDS prevention method that has historically been associated with better reproductive health. Watch as two young boys and their community take the plunge and go under the knife in a procedure that could become the future of AIDS prevention.

This new UNFPA webpate consolidates a wealth of information and resources, including
publications, videos, links and relevant international agreements. It has links to the following topic areas: Supporting Adolescents & Youth, Youth Participation, Education and Empowerment, Youth-friendly Services, Policy Initiatives, Adolescent Girls, HIV and Young People, Young People in Times of Crisis, International Agreements. Also the webpage has a link to useful publications.

A group of youth-related feature stories
provides examples of how the work of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) directly affects the lives of adolescents and youth in every region.

The broad objective of this programme (5-16 May 2008) is to strengthen management capabilities for programming for HIV/AIDS and reproductive health of young people including adolescents. By the end of this course participants will be able: To identify and prioritize HIV/AIDS and SRH issues, concerns and vulnerabilities within their regions and countries. To design operational plans for addressing the HIV/AIDS and SRH needs of young people including adolescents, in their regions and countries. To more...