UNAIDS takes action to empower women and girls against HIV

2 March 2010 – UNAIDS, together with celebrated artist and activist for women and HIV, Annie Lennox, has launched the Agenda for Accelerated Country Action for Women, Girls, Gender Equality and HIV (2010–2014), which has been developed to address gender inequalities and human rights violations that put women and girls at risk of HIV infection. HIV is the leading cause of death and disease among women of reproductive age (15–49 years) worldwide. In southern Africa, HIV prevalence among young women aged 15–24 years is on average three times higher than among men of the same age.