Mirian Gom 
LOKOJA, Nigeria – The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has raised concern over the alarming HIV infection rate among adolescent girls and young women, revealing that about 4,000 girls aged 15–24 contract HIV every week worldwide.
AHF Senior Advocacy Manager, Steve Aborishade said on Wednesday in Lokoja that over 3,300 of these infections occur in sub-Saharan Africa, underscoring the urgent need for stronger prevention programmes.
“In 2023, 1.9 million adolescent girls and young women lived with HIV compared to 1.2 million boys and young men,” Aborishade said. “The gap highlights a worrying gender disparity.”
He added that limited education access remains a major driver, with over 133 million girls globally out of school.
To mark the 2025 International Day of the Girl on October 11, AHF Nigeria will host a mentorship and health awareness event in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, featuring talks, free sanitary pads, and leadership sessions.
AHF Country Programme Director Dr Echey Ijezie said the initiative aims to empower girls to stay in school, protect their health, and fight gender-based violence. “We must give every girl the power to decide her future,” he added.
About the Author
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Koko Maxwella 
Otamere Gladness 
Oluwatobi Adu