HIV is having a devastating impact on young people and their community’s worldwide. Whilst major progress has been made, the number of cases of HIV continues to rise. Globally 33.4 million* people are living with HIV, 2.7 million* of which were newly infected. Of these, young people aged between 15 and 24 account for 40 per cent of all new infections - the highest proportion. Every minute of every day, a further two young people are infected with HIV.

Preventing the spread of HIV among young people - those at great risk - by addressing its causes and by giving young people the skills and knowledge they need to protect themselves, is key to tackling the global epidemic.

In October, UNICEF Ambassador and Manchester United player Ryan Giggs visited Sierra Leone, West Africa, to see how HIV and AIDS are affecting the lives of young people, to see the impact of a unique United for UNICEF HIV prevention advertising campaign currently running, and to highlight the importance of HIV prevention as a means of tackling the virus. 

Videos & photo galleries

Ryan's Sierra Leone video diaries

During his visit to Sierra Leone Ryan Giggs made a daily video diary to record his thoughts and impressions of the trip, the projects he saw and the people he had the opportunity to meet.

Ryan in Sierra Leone photo gallery

During his UNICEF visit Ryan had the opportunity to see the United for UNICEF billboard campaign he took part in and find out more about the issue of HIV and AIDS in Sierra Leone. 

Radio campaign adverts

Ryan's radio advert

Manchester United players Ryan Giggs, Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand recorded radio adverts to raise HIV awareness. Ryan's advert warns against the dangers of stigmatising people living with HIV and AIDS.

Rio's radio advert #1

As part of the HIV awareness campaign Rio Ferdinand encourages young people in Sierra Leone to get tested for HIV, to protect themselves and their loved ones against HIV.

Rio's radio advert #2

In his second radio advert for the HIV awareness campaign Rio encourages safe sexual practice and the use of condoms to stop the spread of HIV.

Features

Manchester United raise awareness of HIV in Sierra Leone

Find out more about the United for UNICEF HIV awareness campaign and Ryan's visit to Sierra Leone.