ASIA: young people facing unprecedented health risks from drug-taking and HIV/AIDS
Children and young people in Asia are
facing unprecedented health risks from HIV/AIDS and other diseases due to
the rapid spread of amphetamine-type drug abuse, UNICEF warned today.
Speaking at the International
Conference on the Reduction of Drug Related Harm, Robert Bennoun, UNICEF
Regional Advisor on HIV/AIDS, highlighted an urgent need for more effective
and coordinated policies to tackle the growing problem.
"We are witnessing a human
tragedy unfolding at an alarming pace affecting our children and young
people," Mr. Bennoun said.
Worldwide, young people
between the ages of 15 and 24 account for the majority of new HIV/AIDS
infections. Intravenous drug use accounts for much of the infection. And
recent research has shown users of amphetamine-type substances are
increasingly injecting their drugs of choice.
Asia is home to approximately
33 million users of amphetamine-type substances. Approximately two-thirds
live primarily in Thailand, the Philippines, Japan and Taiwan. Children and
young people account for the majority of new users.
source: UNICEF. For the full story, go to:
http://www.unicef.org/newsline/2003/03nn21chiangmai.htm
