The Truth about Teens and STIs in Singapore

In 2017, STI infection rates among teenagers in Singapore started going up for the first time in years. Research suggests that several factors contribute to risky behaviour among adolescents. While young people are aware of barrier contraception and its use, they lack the confidence to utilise condoms properly. Peer pressure and misunderstandings about the nature of STIs and their spread also contribute to problems. Openness on behalf of parents and educators are two of the key essentials for de-stigmatising sex and giving young individuals the information they need to engage responsibly with their peers.

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The World Already Has a Second Patient Cured from HIV Infection

A bone marrow transplant from an HIV resistant donor has made it possible for a second person in the world to be cleared from an HIV infection 100 per cent. The man in London received stem cells and he was declared completely freed from the virus within 18 months of stopping the antiretroviral drug therapy. The highly sensitive test used on him did not detect any traces of the virus left in the blood of the patient, giving the world hope for the development of an effective AIDS cure.

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Singapore Diagnoses Fewer New HIV Cases in 2018

Singapore has seen a decrease in the number of diagnosed HIV cases in 2018. The vast majority of affected individuals are men. Roughly equal percentages of homosexual and heterosexual individuals are affected. Unfortunately, HIV is diagnosed at a later stage of the infection most of the time. Very few people have gotten diagnosed through voluntary, regular screening and most still get their positive HIV status via a routine medical examination or healthcare check.

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