Each year more than 1 million adolescents die of preventable causes and millions more are missing out on education, according to a UNICEF statement. Adolescents—defined as people between ages 10 to 19—die from road traffic injuries, childbirth complications, suicide, AIDS, violence and other causes. The report states that the low level of HIV testing among adolescents is a factor in AIDS-related mortality and morbidity in this age group. In addition, adolescents who do not know they are HIV positive are unlikely to seek antiretroviral treatment. As a result, their diagnosis may be delayed until they experience symptoms of advanced disease.

To read the UNICEF statement, click here.