World Service–Funded Programs
Health Education
The global YMCA movement is committed to promoting healthy lifestyles, particularly among young people. In fact, YMCA programs focused on reducing health risks, raising awareness of adolescent reproductive health and preventing drug abuse reach more than one million youth annually. Through education and socially relevant programming, YMCAs empower people to make healthy choices. The YMCA also offers extensive support to youth and families struggling with health crises and often acts as an advocate to ensure open access to social and economic opportunities within the community.
Case Study
The YMCA of Nigeria
Youth peer educators at Nigeria YMCA display HIV/AIDS prevention materials.
Since its founding in 1925, the Nigeria YMCA has addressed the developmental needs of youth through creative programs and services. Today, one of the main programs of the Nigeria YMCA centers on healthy lifestyles.
Although Nigeria is the world’s fifth-largest producer of oil, Nigerians are among the poorest people in the world and face the additional challenge of preventing the rapid spread of HIV in their country. The YMCA of Nigeria has responded by reaching 130,000 young people in targeted communities through outreach, youth-friendly services, training and community and resource mobilization. To read more, click here.Having trouble downloading the PDFs? View our online help for pdf files.