"Girls and young women face double vulnerability, and double efforts are needed to protect them," Purnima Mane, Deputy Executive Director of UN Population Fund today said while releasing a guide "Make it Matter," on measures to curb spread of virus among young girls.

In India, civil society organisations and activists contributed to the passing of the Prohibition of Child Marraige Act, which protects young women from early sexual relations that put them at risk of HIV infection, she said. She also praised South Africa and Vietnam for their efforts against the spread of the disease.

The UN body also called for ending child marriage and provide increased socio-economic opportunities to young women to combat HIV/AIDS.

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and Young Positives have produced the guide.