The European Union (EU) is focusing its attention on youths in schools in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
To mark World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, EU Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou has encouraged EU health ministers to visit schools to raise awareness among youths. Ministers from 11 EU member states have agreed to participate in this initiative.
"Improved knowledge, awareness and information are essential tools that young people must acquire and it is our responsibility to provide them with all necessary information and guidance. Prevention remains the best cure," said Kyprianou Friday.
Recent reports from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control point to the fact that high-risk sexual behavior is on the rise among young people throughout Europe. So are infection rates.
Between 1998 and 2005, the number of new HIV diagnoses in men and women infected through heterosexual contact and in men infected through sex with men doubled.
Furthermore, a 2006 EU-wide survey on AIDS prevention revealed an astonishing lack of basic knowledge on certain facts regarding HIV and AIDS.
AIDS has already claimed the lives of more than 25 million people throughout the world, while an estimated 33.2 million live with HIV.
Source: Xinhua
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