A global study has found that almost half of young people know dangerously little about HIV and AIDS. The study found that over 80% of the respondents believed HIV and AIDS are the greatest challenge of our time, however over a third did not believe condoms would be effective at preventing the spread of HIV, and 48% had knowledge of HIV and AIDS ranging from moderate to none.

The study also found that if the respondents were attempting to find out about HIV and AIDS, 94% would first use the internet, with only 61% saying they would ask a health professional for information, and 25% saying they would ask a family member.

The study raises the question: how much do your children know about HIV and AIDS? Almost half of the worlds new HIV infections occur among 15-24 year-olds, so to help prevent your children from becoming victims ask them how much they know, and if you need further information yourself ask your GP.

You might also consider directing your children to the website www.vir.us. It is a first-of-a-kind animated website aiming to educate young people about HIV and AIDS.

More information about the study can be found at www.medicalnewstoday.com.

Writer Tristan Boyd, Editor Ramesh Manocha.