CAMEROON: Unsafe sex for youths despite HIV/AIDS

A study by the German technical assistance agency (GTZ), says two-thirds of teenagers in Cameroon are sexually active by age 16, and more than half of them shun condoms despite the risk of HIV infection.

Albert Mbanfu, assistant coordinator of the survey, was quoted by Reuters as saying: "Our study reveals that problems resulting from early and unprotected sex among youths have attained alarming levels in Cameroon."

Research shows that HIV/AIDS infection rates among Cameroonian adults aged 15 to 49 had risen from just 0.5 percent in 1989 to 11.8 percent by the end of 2001.

Mbanfu blamed the situation on a lack of sex education in families and schools, the negative influence of friends, the media, video clubs, and poor knowledge of modern contraceptives.

Theme (s): Care/Treatment - PlusNews, Children,

[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]