Behavior change communication (BCC) among young people is a big challenge. Effective efforts require multiple program approaches with reinforcing messages. Involvement of many partners is necessary -- parents, young people, the religious community, policymakers and others. BCC is an interactive process with communities and should be integrated with a larger program goal, such as school-based sex education.
YouthNet aims to improve reproductive health and HIV/AIDS prevention behaviors of young people between the ages of 10 and 24 years. These behaviors include delaying first sex, and for those who are sexually active, reducing the number of partners, being more selective of partners, and using contraception (including condoms) and reproductive health services. YouthNet is based on the premise that the key to responsible reproductive health behavior is assuring that young people have the knowledge, skills, self-esteem, and support to make appropriate decisions and have access to the education and services that enable them to act on their decisions.
