In 2007, more than 6,800 people became infected with HIV every day, and new HIV infections outnumbered persons receiving treatment by nearly 3 to 1. Comprehensive HIV prevention-including both condoms and contraceptives-must become a top priority in the continued fight against HIV and AIDS. Because most HIV epidemics are fueled by sexual transmission of the virus, behavior change-including condom use-is critical to stemming the number of new infections.

The international community has repeatedly agreed to meet young people's developmental needs, including those relating to sexual and reproductive health. Yet young people often have little or no access to the information and services they need to make healthy, informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive lives.