The HIV/AIDS Problem in India

• The age group of 15-29 years comprises almost 25 percent of the country's population; but account for 31 percent of AIDS burden.


• The physiologic pre-disposition to adventure makes young people more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS & Sexually Transmitted Infections than adults.


• Absence of information and lack of correct information (almost 73% of young people have misconceptions about modes of HIV transmission) makes discussing issues around sexuality taboo for youth, thus adding to their vulnerability further.


• Most young people become sexually active during adolescence. Lack of guidance and information makes them more likely to have multiple partners & unprotected sex with high risk behavior groups.
• NACO (2007) estimates around 2.5 million people living with HIV in India.
  
  
• The UN India Progress Report 2008 indicates that 57 % of 15-24 year olds had incorrect knowledge of HIV and AIDS.