Students know little about HIV, activist says

Newfoundland and Labrador schools are falling behind in providing youth with information about HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, a long-time health advocate says.

"Many schools that I talk to, a lot of the kids I talk to don't even know what HIV is," Robyn Pardy told CBC News.

"They don't know how it's transmitted and unfortunately, youth are the ones that are more at risk."

Pardy, who has been living with the virus for 18 years, said she is troubled by the lack of knowledge about AIDS and HIV.

Health care workers have been concerned about the HIV caseload. While only two new cases were reported in 2006, the number has climbed with 10 new cases reported in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2010.

Pardy said more funding is needed to support sexual education for teens.