HIV remains one of the biggest public health challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, a region that accounts for approximately two-thirds of about 40 million people living with HIV globally.
Young people continue to account for a large share of new infections, with an estimated 370,000 new infections occurring among those aged 15-24 in 2024 alone. This represents approximately 28% of 1.3 million new HIV infections globally the same year. Among them, adolescent girls face a disproportionate risk of infection as girls aged 15-19 are more likely to acquire HIV than their boy peers.
HIV testing is the gateway to both prevention and treatment. If someone knows their status, they can start treatment early. Treatment reduces illness and prevents onward transmission. Testing also supports prevention choices, including condom use and pre-exposure prophylaxis.
