Step Up, Show Up, Speak Up
Our Vision
A young African, a global citizen who is empowered, educated, healthy, resilient and socially responsible – an autonomous decision-maker and has the capacity to reach their full potential and contribute to the development of their community, country, and the region.
The ESA Commitment
On 7 December 2013, in Cape Town, South Africa, Ministers of Education and Health from 20 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) agreed to work collaboratively towards a vision of young Africans who are global citizens of the future. They affirmed a commitment to the right to the highest possible level of health, education, non-discrimination, and well-being of current and future generations.
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The ESA Commitment was re-affirmed in 2016 and more recently on 6 December 2021. Currently, the Commitment has targets to be achieved in 2025 and 2030 respectively. Learn more about the history and future of the commitment below:
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Issues Young People Face
The High Numbers of New Infections Among Young People Remains a Serious Concern
Despite positive signs that HIV incidence is declining overall among young people, in a global context, Sub-Saharan Africa remains the region most affected by the epidemic. Young people, particularly girls, are most at risk of infection.
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Although new HIV infections are on the decline across the region, these reductions remain insufficient. Significant numbers of young people, predominantly adolescent girls and young women, are still becoming newly infected.
