WHO marks International youth day 2026 with call to action on HIV, TB, hepatitis and STIs

The World Health Organization (WHO) marked International Youth Day on 17 August 2026 under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” celebrating the energy, creativity and leadership of young people worldwide, according to a departmental update by WHO. The message highlights that while young people live in different circumstances, they share common hopes for good health, dignity, opportunity and a sustainable future. WHO used the occasion to call on young people everywhere to turn common aspirations into collective action. The agency emphasized the role of youth as partners and leaders in the global health response today. The update focuses on HIV, tuberculosis, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections.

According to WHO, preventable and treatable diseases continue to stand in the way of young people’s aspirations. HIV, tuberculosis (TB), viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to affect the health, well-being and futures of millions of adolescents and young people. Despite important progress, preventable infections, illness and deaths persist. Access to prevention, testing, treatment and care remains unequal. Inequities are particularly acute for young people from key and vulnerable populations.

These populations include young men who have sex with men, transgender people, sex workers and people who use drugs, as well as young people affected by poverty, displacement and other forms of marginalization. Stigma and discrimination, gender inequality, violence, poverty and restrictive social and legal environments can further limit access to youth-responsive services. WHO noted that young people are not only affected by these challenges; they are helping to solve them. Through WHO’s 1+1 Initiative, more than 90,000 young people have joined the global effort to end TB. They have done so by raising awareness, challenging stigma and mobilizing communities for stronger action.

What began as a movement to mobilize young people around TB has become a powerful demonstration of what is possible when young people are given the opportunity, knowledge and platforms to lead. Building on this momentum, WHO is expanding the 1+1 Initiative across HIV, TB, viral hepatitis and STIs. The expansion creates a broader platform to amplify young people’s voices and strengthen their leadership across these interconnected disease areas. WHO called on young people to raise awareness, stay informed, share trusted information and challenge stigma and discrimination. The agency also urged them to use their voice and leadership to shape policies, programs and services affecting their health.

“Young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow. They are partners and leaders in the global health response today,” WHO stated. Their voices, innovative ideas and leadership are essential to ending HIV, TB, viral hepatitis and STIs and building a healthier, more equitable future for all. WHO reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside young people, countries and partners. The organization aims to create opportunities, platforms and enabling environments for young people to lead, influence decisions and drive lasting change for their health and the health of their communities.