The highest numbers of AIDS victims outside the US are in African and Asian countries, where educational and medical resources are expensive and scarce. Different cultural and religious beliefs have also limited messages of family planning and safer sex. The United Nations AIDS program has outlined two goals to help stop the spread of HIV among youths. First, convince governments and health organizations that they need to listen to young people and work within the culture to spread the word about how to avoid this deadly disease. Second, use the information that comes from young people to strengthen AIDS programs.
Many organizations use schools, radio and TV to educate teenagers about safe sex and abstinence.
The NewsHour has followed the epidemic of AIDS for years. Dr. Helene Gayle of the CDC reflects on the National HIV Prevention Conference. Current trends from the National HIV Prevention Conference. Trends in AIDS incidence and deaths, 1995-1998. Rate of AIDS cases and deaths, with comparative ratios by race.