Every day in developing countries, 20,000 girls below age 18 give birth. Nine in 10 of these births occur within marriage or a union. This has consequences on the health, education, employment and rights of an untold millions of girls.

Although the countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia are not affected to the same extent as other world regions, adolescent pregnancy is a major challenge in parts of the region, and in particular among some population groups.

This booklet examines the impact of HIV/AIDS on young people, looking at why they are being hit by the epidemic. It puts forward some ideas for HIV/AIDS prevention education and lists some principles for working with young people.