1. HIV/AIDS and Employment: Protecting Young People and Involving Them in Work-Related Solutions Education Development Center’s Health & Human Development Programs Wendy Santis, M.S. YES/Mexico 2004

2. Discussion Topics The HIV/AIDS Epidemic: What is it doing? Where is it going? Addressing HIV/AIDS in the workplace Roles young people can play in responding to the HIV/AIDS crisis How to create sustainable livelihoods

3. Global estimates for adults and children 40 million people living with HIV/AIDS in 2003 5 million new HIV infections in 2003 3 million deaths from HIV/AIDS in 2003 2.5 million young people infected in 2003

4. The Interest of EDC/HHD: Youth Livelihoods and HIV/AIDS: The Connection Poverty heightens HIV/AIDS vulnerability for young people Infected youth face harsher economic realities HIV increases economic problems for youth from AIDS-affected families Girls and young women are more vulnerable to the economic factors that fuel the spread of the epidemic Unemployed youth are more vulnerable to migration and engage in risky sex

5. Roles young people can play in responding to the HIV/AIDS crisis Peer educators in NGOs School-based health prevention specialists Activists and advocates for more action Counselors in clinics Researchers and sales representatives in pharmaceuticals Providers of care and services to the sick Creators of alternative services to educate orphans

6. Case study #1 Center for the Study of AIDS South Africa Volunteer program involving youth in HIV/AIDS work Peer counseling, outreach, prevention education, research, and policy Graduates of the program have found paid HIV/AIDS work

7. Case study #2 YES/Kenya Assisting young people to access credit so they can start their own businesses Using theater, puppetry and poetry to disseminate information on HIV/AIDS

8. Recommendations Identify and develop opportunities in HIV/AIDS work Create awareness of opportunities Provide skills training and mentoring Train youth in business skills and provide access to financial services Develop vocational education and job training programs Provide training in enterprise development and business development services Increase access to financial services Link policy and programs: governments and private sector