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7000 young women become HIV+ everyday: UN

August 07, 2008 14:38 IST

Expressing concern that over 7000 women become become HIV-positive everyday worldwide, the United Nations has called for enhancing women's access to sexual health services and commended India's efforts in controlling the spread of the disease.

Indian-origin expert may have found a way to attack HIV

"Girls and young women face double vulnerability, and double efforts are needed to protect them," Purnima Mane, deputy executive director of the UN Population Fund said on Thursday while releasing a guide 'Make it Matter', on measures to curb spread of virus among young girls, in New York.

'I call the HIV virus my friend'

In India, civil society organisations and activists contributed to the passing of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, which protects young women from early sexual relations that put them at risk of HIV infection, she said.

She also praised South Africa and Vietnam for their efforts against the spread of the disease.

Telling the truth about AIDS

The UN body called for ending child marriage and provide increased socio-economic opportunities to young women to combat HIV/AIDS. The guide is produced by United Nations Population Fund, International Planned Parenthood Federation and Young Positives.

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