Each year the percentages of youth being infected with HIV/AIDS is increasing. Youth are vulnerable to HIV because of factors such as risky sexual behaviors, the increase in substance use and the perception that HIV is not a threat to them. Youth account for 25% of all STD infections, which sustantially increase the risks for HIV 3-9 fold.


Youth are increasingly being infected with STD's which is a high indicator for likelyhood of getting HIV

What they don't know....

    Most youth are exposed to the virus through sexual intercourse.

  • The majority of male youth are affected through sex with another male, only a small percentage are exposed through IDU or heterosexual contact.

  • Interstingly, female youth are commonly infected through heterosexual contact, only a small percentage is affected through IDU.

  • Youth tend to think they are invincible, and deny any risks. This may cause them to engage in risky behavior such as mulitple sex partners, unprotected sex, binge drinking or delaying HIV testing.

THERE IS NO CURE
Youth are at greater risk of HIV infection when:
  • Accessing clear and non-judgemental information about AIDS/STD's is difficult and restricted

  • HIV testing and counselling is not confidential or available to youth;

  • They lack the power to refuse unwanted or unprotected sex

  • Sexual Orientation/Behavior is concealed as a result of society/religion/legal prohibitions

  • Communities reject people living with AIDS resulting in peopling living in secrecy that becomes a norm
    (UNESCO, 2001)
What you can do...
  • Advocating for rights and services

  • Improving AIDS research and evaluation

  • Not accepting stigmatizing attitudes

  • Promoting awareness, safe sex or abstinence