The Gambia Thursday, June 7th, launched the Education Plus initiative joining eight other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to demonstrate commitment to accelerate the empowerment of adolescent girls and young women, the achievement of Gender Equality and the prevention of HIV/AIDS. Her Excellency the First Lady, Madam Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, presided over the launching of the Education Plus Initiative.

Through the initiative, UNFPA joins hands with UNAIDS, UNESCO UN Women and UNICEF to support high-level advocacy for gender-responsive reforms in policies, laws, and practices to guarantee the education, health, and other socio-economic rights of adolescent girls and young Education Plus Initiative. It is an Initiative by the Government and the United Nations; high-level political advocacy Accelerates actions and investment to prevent Hiv for the empowerment of adolescent girls and young women.

It is a response to the alarming number of adolescent girls and young women acquiring HIV and dying from AIDS, among other threats to their survival, well-being, human rights, and fundamental freedom.

Today's launching at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Conference Center at Bijilo brings together Government dignitaries, the United Nations co-lead agencies, young women leaders, civil society and community leaders.