Being a YPLHIV does not mean that we necessarily share the same needs and desires as each other or our older counterparts. Beyond our age specific diverse needs, YPLHIV represent a diversity in our sexuality, culture, religion, gender and age from a youth perspective. We are not a homogeneous group, nor can we be treated as one.”

Recommendations

• Programmers and policy makers need to meet the real needs of YPLHIV according to the diversity of the group – addressing the reality of the epidemic among young people is a critical step to delivering appropriate services.
• YPLHIV must start to systematically document and report cases of discrimination, working alongside national, regional and international networks of PLHIV and youth serving organizations to inform their advocacy efforts.
• Education providers need to acknowledge the diversity within the community of YPLHIV and within young people in general.