7000 young women become HIV-positive every day: UN

New York, Aug 8 (PTI) Expressing concern that over 7000 women become HIV-positive everyday worldwide, the United Nations has called for enhancing women's access to sexual health services and commended India's efforts in controlling the spread of the disease.

"Girls and young women face double vulnerability, and double efforts are needed
to protect them," Purnima Mane, Deputy Executive Director of UN Population Fund
Thursday said while releasing a guide "Make it Matter," on measures to curb
spread of virus among young girls.

In India, civil society organisations and activists contributed to the passing
of the Prohibition of Child Marraige Act, which protects young women from early
sexual relations that put them at risk of HIV infection, she said.

She also praised South Africa and Vietnam for their efforts against the spread
of the disease.

The UN body also called for ending child marriage and provide increased
socio-economic opportunities to young women to combat HIV/AIDS.

The guide is produced by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), International
Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and Young Positives.