Adolescents are being left behind in the global AIDS response. HIV is the number one contributor to adolescent mortality in sub-Saharan African and number two globally. Adolescents often lack access to proven, life-saving services, such as HIV treatment. To address this situation, a meeting was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 3 to 5 December to design a strategy to address the challenges that adolescents face.

The global strategy consultation brought together around 50 activists from youth networks, governments, implementers, donors and UNAIDS cosponsors, all committed to making real progress through improving programmes, driving innovation and amplifying advocacy.

The participants took stock of ongoing efforts and reviewed a results framework to create accountability towards, and track progress for, the often neglected population. They looked at establishing milestones to measure progress and at what can be done to accelerate change for adolescents using innovative approaches and improved data. Critically, there was consensus among all partners that much more needs to be done to tap the inherent potential of adolescents and young people for progressive social change.

An action plan was developed outlining catalytic efforts in which partners could join to deliver results. Partners will now work together to finalize the All In agenda, which will be launched in February 2015.

The consultation was convened by UNAIDS and the United Nations Children’s Fund. The United Nations Population Fund and the World Health Organization were co-convenors, in collaboration with youth networks and other core members of the All In Leadership Group: the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the MTV Staying Alive Foundation.

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