Did you know that approximately half of the world's population is under 25? Young people are more apt to become infected with HIV and pregnancy is the leading cause of death among young women aged 15-19. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the levels of HIV infection and maternal mortality among youth are extreme.

In order to combat these problems, the German Foundation for World Population (DSW) has developed its "Youth-to-Youth", or so-called Y2Y programme, in which young people aged 10-24 help improve the sexual and reproductive health of other young people.

Y2Y has led to the formation and support of over 1,000 youth clubs, with over 30,000 members, reaching millions of young people in developing countries.

In the following pages you will find more information about DSW's Y2Y programme:

• What is Y2Y?
• Why youth?
• How does Y2Y work?
• What difference does it make?