13 Oct 2003

Fiji Health MInistry says 2000 students a year contract sexually transmitted diseases

12:13 pm on 13 October 2003

Fiji's Health Ministry says more than two thousand students are infected with sexually transmitted infections every year.

Radio Fiji says an official, Dr Timaima Tuiketei, says behavioural problems contribute to the increasing numbers of HIV/Aids.

He said a ministry survey conducted in a Fijian-dominated school in the Suva area last year suggestes that 30 per cent of students betwen the age of 15 and 19 have been involved in sexual activities and drug abuse.

He says more than half of those in that age group attending clinics have sexually transmitted diseases, but often do not know all their partners.