Young people are more likely to be affected by HIV and AIDS than any other age group, but they are also more likely to change their behaviour as a result of education than any other group. At a time when, globally, more children are in school than ever before, it is therefore vitally important that countries invest in schools as a means of informing young people about how they can avoid HIV and AIDS before it is too late. Studies have shown that the HIV prevalence of an area is likely to decrease as education increases, that primary education can half the risk of infection amongst young people and that reduced vulnerability to HIV is observed in people with secondary or higher education. Schooling increases earning power, self-confidence and social status, allowing young people to take greater control over their sexual choices