Young Peoples’ Access to Health Services in an Era of HIV: Evidence from the SPA and the DHS

Jane Ferguson, World Health Organization (WHO)

In 2009, almost half of all new HIV infections occurred among young people aged 15–24 years. Most young people with HIV live in sub-Saharan Africa, and 71% are young women. Little is known about the degree to which young women at risk for HIV have access to health services, nor whether the system is ready to provide them with services, particularly youth-friendly services (YFS). To contribute to addressing these questions, we analyze data from nationally-representative health facility surveys (Service Provision Assessments) to discern the extent to which YFS are provided by health systems, whether health care providers are trained in providing YFS, and whether young women receive equal care when they go for antenatal care (ANC), specifically HIV testing and family planning counseling. We also look at young women’s receipt of HIV testing and PMTCT-related counseling during ANC using data from household surveys (Demographic and Health Surveys).