The challenges that we young people are facing today are formidable, over 500 million people ages between 15 and 24 are living below the poverty line (less than $2.00 per day). 6,000 young people are infected with HIV daily And 1,500 women most of whom under 24 years die everyday as a result of Early pregnancy or childbirth World Population Report 2005 indicates That almost a quarter of all individuals living with HIV/AIDS are young People, yet they represent half of all new HIV infection cases. 63% of those infected with HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa in 2003 were between the ages of 15 and 24

HOW do we fight the stigma and discrimination that has become synonymous with HIV/AIDS and young women? How do we achieve universal access? Young women are biologically more prone to HIV infection than men and that the younger they are the greater is their risk of acquiring the virus, nothing that the risk is greater in young women aged between 15 and 24 years.

The prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria is about 4.4% translating to over 3.5 million people. The highest rate (5.6%) of infection is among young people aged 20-29 years. Despite progress in expanding prevention and treatment in the country, only 20% of males and 10 % of females between the ages 14 -25 can correctly identify ways of preventing HIV transmission. 1,200 young people in Nigeria got infected with HIV every day, which shows that one person per minute. World Population Report 2005 indicates Youth even though are important segment of our society lack the necessary information, skills and services that are needed to prevent themselves from contracting the Virus yet the scourge is the scourge of our time.

The issue of youths participation in the control of HIV/AIDS has suffered set back. Since the formation of Youth network on HIV/AIDS (NYNETHA) and Association of Positive Youths in Nigeria (APYIN). The two networks that is youths focus mainly for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria have never received any financial support to address the spread of the Virus among youth.

I am of the opinion that it is essential that top political leadership and ministerial officials should become more directly engaged in trying to control HIV/AIDS, in resolving difficult and enduring policy issues and in directing a truly multi-sector approach.
Nigeria will have to overcome significant barriers such as pervasive stigma and discrimination, youth involvement both in planning and implementation and meaningful involvement of PLWHA.

As we are entering into new political era, only high-level national leadership, Greater involvement of People living with HIV/AIDS and Youth participation can effectively confront the deep stigma and discrimination that surrounds HIV/AIDS and the high-risk behaviors at the center of the epidemic. Youth are critical stakeholders in development processes and in the control of HIV/AIDS, we need to be heard and support.
This will start to break down the stigma and discrimination barriers that exist, and also provide a way for zero tolerance in our Country.