Dimapur, August 20 (MExN): HALF the world’s teenagers admit to being dangerously ignorant about HIV risks - and many do not use condoms, a study shows. One in three youngsters does not believe that using protection stops the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, the survey says. The scale of the youths’ ignorance follows the revelation that half of the world’s new HIV infections are among 15 to 24-year-olds. Alarmed health campaigners have now called for urgent improvements to sex education from governments, parents and teachers.
The least knowledge seems to be in south-east Asia, where 57 per cent of youngsters admit knowing little about HIV or AIDS. In contrast, 74 per cent of young Africans believe themselves to be well-informed - despite sub-Saharan Africa having the world’s highest AIDS rate. The research, involving 1,566 young people from 99 countries, was carried out by student organisation AIESEC International and Standard Chartered, which has an anti-AIDS service. A spokeswoman said: ‘Myths, orthodoxy and a reluctance to learn basic facts are some of the biggest hurdles our HIV trainers face on a daily basis. This survey shows there is still a huge job to be done.’ The results did not surprise sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust.
Spokeswoman Lisa Power said: ‘We know from our own research that young people in the UK want more information on sexual health. It’s crucial parents, schools and the government all play their part.’ While 33.2million are living with HIV across the world, 102,333 people in Britain have been diagnosed - including 4,207 children and teenagers. Some 10,391 of 20-to 24-year-olds have been infected, according to the Health Protection Agency.
