As we mark World AIDS Day, UNICEF has stated in a press release that Asian teenagers are among the most susceptible to the sexually transmitted disease. The statement follows a study published by the Asia-Pacific Inter-Agency Task Team on Young Key Populations, which also includes UNICEF, UNAIDS and others.

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Dubbed a 'hidden epidemic' by the experts, more than 50,000 Asian teens aged 15 to 19 are reported to have become infected with HIV in 2014. Around 220,000 adolescents are said to be living with HIV in the Asia Pacific countries like Bangkok, Hanoi and Jakarta.

According to UNICEF, while the rate of new HIV infections among adults is falling, it is rapidly increasing among teenagers, especially among homosexuals, sex workers and people who have multiple sexual partners. The reports said that AIDS is unlikely to be brought under control by 2030 if no actions is taken to educate young people about the disease.

According to Reuters, in most countries, HIV tests cannot be conducted on teens without the consent of a parent or guardian. It is only in 10 countries that the law permits medics to conduct HIV tests on young people without parental consent.

"Many do not want their parents to know that they've had sex. That puts a barrier between them and testing," said Wing-Sie Cheng, the UNICEF Regional adviser on HIV and AIDS. "If they are turned away from testing, they may be carrying the HIV virus without knowing."

Thus, the report urged the government to "develop better data on adolescents, strategies for HIV prevention, and adolescent-specific laws and policies." Sex education in schools was also suggested in order to sensitize young minds about sex and sexually transmitted diseases. '

"Adolescence is a time of transition and risk-taking, as children navigate the difficult journey to adulthood," said Daniel Toole, UNICEF Regional Director for UNICEF East Asia and Pacific. "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."

The use of social media apps are also encouraged by Niluka Perera, project officer for the Youth Voices Count network for young gay men and transgender people to reach out to young people. Technology and social media sites are said to be popular and have greater influence among adolescents. Also, a drive was launched in Bangkok to encourage gay men to be tested.

TagsUNICEF, AIDS, HIV, asian, Asian teens, sex education, Daniel Toole, Niluka Perera, Youth Voices Count, AIDS hit Asian teens, AIDS prevention, NoToHIV, Asian Teens AIDS, World AIDS Day