ABSTRACT
This opening chapter reviews the epidemiology of HIV and HIV risk among adolescents and young people in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA). Evidence is presented on the incidence and prevalence of HIV and statistics on young people, including young key populations, living with HIV and AIDS-related deaths. We also focus on knowledge of HIV, sexual behaviours and coverage of selected HIV programmes and services. The chapter also highlights some of the normative and policy limitations of countries in the region that impede an appropriate HIV prevention response for highly vulnerable young at-risk populations. Based on the review of published data, we discuss the specific gaps in the evidence and argue for more systematic and better quality data to inform effective programming to reduce HIV acquisition and transmission and ultimately alter the trajectory of the HIV epidemic.
