Youth development programmes

Pioneered in the United States, youth development programmes focus on helping young people build on their strengths and assets. Those programmes that combine a variety of strategies, including abstinence and contraceptive use, have been assessed as most promising for HIV prevention and reduction of teenage pregnancy. Key components of youth development programmes include:

• involving adults and members of the community
• building relationships with adults who can act as mentors
• providing opportunities for young people to pursue their interests
• engaging youth as active leaders and partners in the community
• providing sexual health education.