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Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Executive Director, UNFPA
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) supports countries in their efforts to achieve sustainable
development by giving priority attention to population, gender and reproductive health.
Our work is guided by the Programme of Action of the 1994 International Conference on Population and
Development (ICPD) and the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. We place special emphasis on
advancing sexual and reproductive health with a focus on the needs and rights of men, women and youth,
particularly those who are vulnerable and marginalized.
The need for sexual and reproductive health education and services has never been greater. Although
recent UNAIDS statistics show HIV prevalence rates declining among youth in many high-prevalence
countries, young people aged 15-24 still account for 40 per cent of all new HIV infections in adults. In sub-
Saharan Africa, about 70 per cent of infections are among young women.
Comprehensive and age-appropriate sexuality education plays a critical role in HIV prevention. Knowledge
about sexual and reproductive health helps young people to protect themselves and reduce risky behaviour.
Research also shows that girls who complete secondary school have lower HIV infection rates than girls with
lower levels of educational attainment.
By advancing access to education and reproductive health information and services, with a focus on
human rights and gender equality, and by supporting the leadership of young people, we can improve
prospects for a more just, peaceful and sustainable world.
Thoraya Ahmed Obaid,
Executive Director, UNFPA