Girls, HIV/AIDS and Education

This report, produced jointly by UNICEF and The Global Coalition on Women and AIDS, looks at growing rates of HIV/AIDS amongst young women and the link to issues of women's rights. The focus of the paper is the connection between a girl's level of education and her likelihood of being aware of HIV/AIDS as well as her likelihood of exercising safe practices to prevent infection. Various sets of data are included supporting these correlations. The paper emphasizes the importance of improving childhood education, particularly amongst girls, as a means of helping to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS. Girls' access to education is discussed as an issue of gender disparity and human rights. Recommendations are included. [Descriptors: Reproductive Rights - HIV/AIDS - International]