July 28, 2010

AIDS epidemic in Central Asia and Eastern Europe intensifying

The UN Children's Fund warns the HIV epidemic in Eastern Europe and Central Asia is "intensifying at an alarming rate."

UNICEF says the increase is being fueled by drug use and high-risk sexual behavior.

The agency says the problem is made worse because children infected with HIV and AIDS are not seeking out treatment due to social stigma.

UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake said "children and adolescents living on the margins of society need access to health and social welfare services, not a harsh dose of disapproval."

UNICEF says the region is home to 3.7 million injecting drug users, almost one quarter of the world's total.

UNICEF notes health and social services are not tailored to young people at the greatest risk.

It highlights, however, that Russia has established more than 100 youth-friendly facilities to provide reproductive and sexual health services, information and counseling.

The report coincides with an international AIDS conference now taking place in the Austrian capital, Vienna.


More on: www.ippf.org

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