The YMCA takes a holistic approach to its work, aiming to develop body, mind and spirit. As such, it is very concerned about the global HIV and AIDS pandemic.

Young people are disproportionately affected by HIV with 6,000 young people are infected with HIV every day. At the same time, young people are the key to stopping the pandemic. We can raise awareness among our peers - about the risks and responsibilities. We can share accurate and up to date information. We can fight stigma and discrimination. We can encourage and care for people who live positively with HIV. We can advocate for the rights of infected people regarding their medical treatment, their basic needs, their rights in the workplace. We can share hope that is rooted in our faith. We can simply live and work together as infected and non-infected people in our communities and in our YMCAs. These are the challenges - and the YMCA has just started to react. Let's move forward together!

To learn more about how you can respond, go to :

Global Issues/HIV and AIDS.