Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - At the end of 2003 at least 26.6 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa were infected with the HIV/AIDS virus. According to a survey by a German humanitarian agency about two thirds of young people in Cameroon engage in sexual activity as early as the age of 16. In 1989 the rate of infection between individuals of an average age of 15 and 45 in this country was 0.5%, but according to the United Nations at the end of 2001 the rate had risen to 11.8%.
The survey involving about 5,000 young people aged between 12 and 18, revealed that one out of five girls who become pregnant at the age of 16 had had an abortion, bringing the rate to 51%. Among the young people interviewed 11% said they had contracted at least one sexually transmitted disease in the past year.
(AP) (3/3/2004 Agenzia Fides; Righe:13; Parole:155)
