We usually like comebacks, but not this kind: A two-year study by the United Nations reveals that here is a new HIV epidemic among teenagers in Asia, some 32 years after scientists discovered the virus that causes AIDS. The report reveals that mobile dating apps catering to men who have sex with men have contributed to the increase in Asia-Pacific.
Maybe that's because unlike Internet dating, location-based mobile apps immediately show users who is available in their immediate area, in real time. "This can lead to spontaneous sex and risky behaviour," explains Unicef. "By connecting adolescents to a larger network of potential sexual partners, the apps also enable any HIV infections to spread further and faster."
And that's why the UN will soon be approaching mobile app providers so they can do their part by sharing information about HIV, thereby protecting the health of adolescents, Wing-Sie Cheng, HIV/Aids adviser for Unicef in East Asia and the Pacific, told The Guardian.
The same study revealed a spike in HIV infections among 10-19 years olds in the Asia-Pacific region. "The epidemic is fastest growing amongst men who have sex with men. Other groups include those who are sexually exploited by or engaged in sex work, people who inject drugs, and young transgender people," it said.
Unicef and UNAIDs today lauched its 'All In' campaign to end the AIDS epidemic in adolescents by 2030.
Here in Singapore, the Ministry of Health reveals a slightly older age group of HIV cases. Out of the 144 reported in the first six months of this year, 54 per cent were 30 to 49 years, 97 per cent were male, and 39 per cent were diagnosed with late-stage HIV infection, reports The Straits Times. About 380 cases have been been reported from January to October.
Photo: www.67nj.org
We usually like comebacks, but not this kind: A two-year study by the United Nations reveals that here is a new HIV epidemic among teenagers in Asia, some 32 years after scientists discovered the virus that causes AIDS. The report reveals that mobile dating apps catering to men who have sex with men have contributed to the increase in Asia-Pacific.
Maybe that's because unlike Internet dating, location-based mobile apps immediately show users who is available in their immediate area, in real time. "This can lead to spontaneous sex and risky behaviour," explains Unicef. "By connecting adolescents to a larger network of potential sexual partners, the apps also enable any HIV infections to spread further and faster."
And that's why the UN will soon be approaching mobile app providers so they can do their part by sharing information about HIV, thereby protecting the health of adolescents, Wing-Sie Cheng, HIV/Aids adviser for Unicef in East Asia and the Pacific, told The Guardian.
The same study revealed a spike in HIV infections among 10-19 years olds in the Asia-Pacific region. "The epidemic is fastest growing amongst men who have sex with men. Other groups include those who are sexually exploited by or engaged in sex work, people who inject drugs, and young transgender people," it said.
Unicef and UNAIDs today lauched its 'All In' campaign to end the AIDS epidemic in adolescents by 2030.
Here in Singapore, the Ministry of Health reveals a slightly older age group of HIV cases. Out of the 144 reported in the first six months of this year, 54 per cent were 30 to 49 years, 97 per cent were male, and 39 per cent were diagnosed with late-stage HIV infection, reports The Straits Times. About 380 cases have been been reported from January to October.
Photo: www.67nj.org