Bandar Seri Begawan - A global youth survey launched by Standard Chartered and AIESEC International, the world's largest student organisation, reveals that although 84 per cent of young people believe the HIV and AIDS epidemic remains one of the great challenges of our time, almost 50 per cent have a dangerously low knowledge about the killer virus.

This could explain why almost half of the world's new HIV infections occur among 15 to 24 year olds according to the latest UNAIDS statistics, largely as a result of unprotected sexual activity.

Over 1,500 members of AIESEC International responded to the survey, spanning 99 countries. Whilst two thirds of them view HIV and AIDS as a major problem in their own countries, despite concerted efforts by health agencies to educate younger generations across the world, a third feel that there is little information available to them.

When asked where they would turn to for information on HIV and AIDS, the internet was overwhelmingly cited as the first port of call. Over 94 per cent said they would go online ahead of talking to health professionals (61 per cent) and friends (59 per cent) or family members (25 per cent).

The news comes as Standard Chartered launches the beta version of www.vir.us - a first-of-its-kind animated website aimed at young people - to raise awareness and provide information about HIV and AIDS in a fresh, entertaining approach. This is a new element of Standard Chartered's prevention-focused HIV education programme, living with HIV, developed in partnership with leading experts from around the globe. Standard Chartered has also pledged to the Clinton Global initiative to educate one million people on HIV and AIDS by 2010.

Danny Quah, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Brunei said: "In the absence of a cure or vaccine, the only hope of tackling HIV is to educate people on how to avoid contracting the virus in the first place or passing it on if they are HIV+. This survey shows that there is still a huge job to be done in educating the next generation, giving them the facts which will enable them to make safe lifestyle choices. The starting point is providing them with reliable and practical information in an accessible way, which overcomes the taboos and stigma around sexual health that compound ignorance.

"This survey shows there is a clear need for a free online resource which targets young people and can teach them the facts around HIV and AIDS in an engaging and fun way, whilst dispelling the myths. Our global www.vir.us website was recently launched to supplement our face-to-face peer education programme which we run in partnership with AIESEC to reach a greater number of young people."

"AIESEC has been working in partnership with Standard Chartered's Living with HIV programme for the past 5 years", said Alexa Mabonga, Global External Relations Manager at AIESEC International. "To date, we have educated over 125,000 young adults in 20 different countries through peer-to-peer education initiatives."

Standard Chartered Bank conducts HIV education sessions run by its employees who volunteer to be HIV Champions to organisations free of charge. Interested parties can approach SCB through its Corporate Affairs Dept at 2366055 or 2366024. Alternatively, visit the Bank's HIV education site at www.vir.us.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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