'Hidden epidemic' in Asia-Pacific
A new report has suggested that the Asia-Pacific region faces a ‘hidden epidemic’ of HIV among adolescents. Estimates suggest that in 2014 there were approximately 50,000 new HIV infections among those aged 15 to 19 – this comprises 15 per cent of new infections. According to the report, Adolescents: Under the Radar in the Asia-pacific AIDS Response, there are around 220,000 adolescents in the region who are living with the illness, and big cities such as Bangkok and Hanoi are apparently ‘hubs’ of new infections.
The report was published by the Asia-pacific Inter-Agency Task Team on Young Key Populations, which involves organisations such as UNICEF and UNAIDS. Daniel Toole, regional director for UNICEF East Asia and Pacific, commented: “Adolescence is a time of transition and risk-taking, as children navigate the difficult journey to adulthood. UNICEF is working with governments throughout the Asia-Pacific region to ensure they meet their obligations to protect adolescents’ health, including by providing access to adolescent-sensitive HIV testing and treatment services.”
Gay men and injecting drug-users are among the groups at highest risk. The report states that governments need to develop better data on adolescents, better strategies for prevention, and laws and policies specific to adolescents. Ten countries in the region, according to the report, bear the heaviest burden: Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Travellers heading to these countries are advised to bear the risks in mind.