UNESCO leverages its expertise in the education sector to support Member States to advance young people’s health and well-being, with a particular focus on HIV prevention.
Guided by the 2022 Strategy on Education for Health and Well-being, UNESCO emphasizes building resilient school health systems that enhance learners’ physical and mental health, provide comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), advance HIV and reproductive health, and combat violence and discrimination.
Efforts for global HIV prevention continue through support for delivery of in-school CSE programmes around the world, using the International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education as the principal guiding framework for curricula, policy and advocacy.
UNESCO continues to expand its efforts to promote safe, inclusive school environments free from all forms of violence, particularly school-related gender-based violence and to promote the meaningful engagement of a diverse range of young people is at the heart of UNESCO’s work
UNESCO’s work addresses the interconnected goals of SDG 3 (Health), SDG 4 (Education), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality), promoting education as a fundamental human right and using the International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education to guide curricula, policy, and advocacy for effective, in-school CSE programs worldwide.
UNESCO views schools as critical spaces for inclusion, HIV prevention, and the protection of learners and teachers affected by HIV. UNESCO’s work also directly contributes to the success of the Education Plus initiative, which aims to strengthen the education and empowerment of adolescent girls and young women in Africa.
