What Works for Women and Girls

Glossary of Terms 1Adolescents are individuals who are between puberty and the completion of physical growth,roughly from 11 to 19 years of age.Adolescent/Youth-Friendly Services refers to services that are: Available, accessible andequitable, so that the core interventions for HIV are provided in ways that all young people,including those most at risk of HIV, can use them. Acceptable; with health and related stafftrained to provide services for young people with dignity and respect, also ensuring privacy andconfidentiality; Appropriate and effective, so that the necessary skills, equipment and suppliesare available to provide quality services for HIV prevention, treatment, care and support foryoung people.Antiretroviral Therapy (ARV) consists of the use of at least three antiretroviral (ARV) drugs tomaximally suppress the HIV virus and stop the progression of HIV disease. Huge reductionshave been seen in rates of death and suffering when use is made of a potent ARV regimen.Behavior Change Communication is an interactive process with communities (as integratedwith an overall program) to develop tailored messages and approaches using a varietyof communication channels to develop positive behaviors; promote and sustain individual,community and societal behavior change; and maintain appropriate behaviors.Combination Antiretroviral Treatment (cART) refers to a patient taking two or more antiretroviraldrugs at a time.CD4 Count: CD4 cells are a type of lymphocyte (white blood cell) and are an important part ofthe immune system. HIV most often infects CD4 cells and over time, the number of CD4 cellsdrops, signaling that the immune system is becoming weak.1 For additional SRH-related term defi nitions, please see Center for Communication, 2007.387