A/RES/S-21/2
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testing, counselling and follow-up. Governments should use, as a benchmark indicator, HIV infection rates in
persons 15 to 24 years of age, with the goal of ensuring that by 2005 prevalence in this age group is reduced
globally, and by 25 per cent in the most affected countries, and that by 2010 prevalence in this age group is
reduced globally by 25 per cent.
71. The private and public sectors should increase investments in research on the development of microbicides
and other female-controlled methods, simpler and less expensive diagnostic tests, single-dose treatments for
sexually transmitted diseases and vaccines. Governments, in particular of developing countries, with the support
of the international community, should strengthen measures to improve generally the quality, availability and
affordability of care of people living with HIV/AIDS.
72. In accordance with its mandate, the Joint and Co-sponsored United Nations Programme on Human
Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome should be provided with financial resources in
order to do the utmost to ensure a well-coordinated response from the United Nations system to the HIV/AIDS
pandemic and to provide support to national programmes, particularly in developing countries.
E. Adolescents
73. Governments, with the full involvement of young people and with the support of the international community,
should, as a priority, make every effort to implement the Programme of Action in regard to adolescent sexual and
reproductive health, in accordance with paragraphs 7.45 and 7.46 of the Programme of Action, and should:
(a) In order to protect and promote the right of adolescents to the enjoyment of the highest attainable
standards of health, provide appropriate, specific, user-friendly and accessible services to address effectively their
reproductive and sexual health needs, including reproductive health education, information, counselling and health
promotion strategies. These services should safeguard the rights of adolescents to privacy, confidentiality and
informed consent, respecting their cultural values and religious beliefs and in conformity with relevant existing
international agreements and conventions;
(b) Continue to advocate for the protection and promotion of and support for programmes for adolescent
health, including sexual and reproductive health; identify effective and appropriate strategies to achieve this goal;
and develop gender- and age-based indicators and data systems to monitor progress;
(c) Develop at national and other levels, as appropriate, action plans for adolescents and youth, based on
gender equity and equality, that cover education, professional and vocational training and income-generating
opportunities. Such programmes should include support mechanisms for the education and counselling of
adolescents in the areas of gender relations and equality, violence against adolescents, responsible sexual
behaviour, responsible family planning practices, family life, reproductive health, sexually transmitted diseases,
HIV infection and AIDS prevention, in accordance with paragraph 7.47 of the Programme of Action. Adolescents
and youth themselves should be fully involved in the design and implementation of such information and services,
with proper regard for parental guidance and responsibilities. Special attention should be devoted to vulnerable
and disadvantaged youth;
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