Adolescent deaths from AIDS tripled since 2000: Unicef
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New York: The number of adolescent deaths from AIDS has tripled over the last 15 years, most of the patients having acquired the disease when they were infants, according to new data released by Unicef.
AIDS is the number one cause of death among adolescents in Africa and the second leading cause of death among adolescents globally. Among HIV-affected populations, adolescents are the only group for which the mortality figures are not decreasing, according to Unicef, reported Xinhua.
In sub-Saharan Africa, the region with the highest prevalence, girls are vastly more affected, accounting for 7 in 10 new infections among 15-19 year olds. However, among adolescents in that age group in the region, just over 1 in 10 are tested for HIV, it said.
"It is critical that young people who are HIV-positive have access to treatment, care and support," said Craig McClure, head of Unicef's global HIV/AIDS programmes. "At the same time, those who are HIV-negative must have access to the knowledge and means to help them stay that way."
AIDS is the number one cause of death among adolescents in Africa and the second leading cause of death among adolescents globally. Among HIV-affected populations, adolescents are the only group for which the mortality figures are not decreasing, according to Unicef, reported Xinhua.
In sub-Saharan Africa, the region with the highest prevalence, girls are vastly more affected, accounting for 7 in 10 new infections among 15-19 year olds. However, among adolescents in that age group in the region, just over 1 in 10 are tested for HIV, it said.
"It is critical that young people who are HIV-positive have access to treatment, care and support," said Craig McClure, head of Unicef's global HIV/AIDS programmes. "At the same time, those who are HIV-negative must have access to the knowledge and means to help them stay that way."
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