Chapter 9: Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV/AIDS

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About this Chapter
The HIV/AIDS epidemic is having a devastating effect on young adults in most countries, directly and indirectly. Partly for this reason, there is a growing recognition that many young people are sexually active and need sexuality education. Although HIV rightly captures a lot of our attention, teaching about other STIs is also crucial. Many STIs are more widespread than HIV/AIDS and have serious health consequences, including increasing one’s vulnerability to HIV infection.

Adolescents are at particularly high risk for acquiring an STI or HIV for a number of reasons. They may not have the knowledge or skills to make good decisions and stick to them; they may not have a realistic sense of their own vulnerability and therefore take risks; and they are in a phase of life when they are likely to be starting new relationships. Biologically, women are more vulnerable to STIs and HIV, and young women are at even greater physical risk because their cervixes are not mature. Sexuality educators need to ensure that young people have full and accurate information about STIs and HIV/AIDS and the skills to protect themselves now and in the future.