AIDS-related deaths among youth on the rise globally, UN warns
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Geneva - The number of adolescents who die from AIDS-related complications annually has risen 50 per cent from 2005 to 2012 because many health services are not properly catering to young people, the World Health Organization said Monday.
This increase runs counter to the 30-per-cent decline of AIDS fatalities for the overall global population during that period.
"Adolescents need health services and support, tailored to their needs," said Gottfried Hirnschall, head of the UN health body's HIV/AIDS operations.
Children and youth aged 10 to 19 are less likely to test for the virus that causes AIDS and they need more support to help them stick to their treatment plans, he said.
In sub-Saharan Africa, the region with the highest number of infections, only 10 per cent of young men and 15 per cent of young women know their HIV status, according to WHO.
WHO issued a set of recommendations, including allowing tests without approval by parents.//DPA
