Strengthening sexual and reproductive health education for children and adolescents in China

In China, the burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, among children and adolescents is increasing, presenting new characteristics and challenges. 1 Zhang J Ma B Han X Ding S Li Y Global, regional, and national burdens of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in adolescents and young adults aged 10–24 years from 1990 to 2019: a trend analysis based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2022; 6: 763-776 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (9) Google Scholar Despite progress in reducing HIV infection and deaths in adults, 2 UNAIDSGlobal HIV and AIDS statistics. https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/fact-sheetDate: 2022 Date accessed: December 4, 2022 Google Scholar the incidence of HIV infection in children and adolescents (aged 6–22 years) has risen, from 0·27 per 100 000 in 2008 to 1·49 per 100 000 in 2017, representing an alarming annual increase of 21·9%. 3 Dong Y Wang L Burgner DP et al. Infectious diseases in children and adolescents in China: analysis of national surveillance data from 2008 to 2017. BMJ. 2020; 369m1043 Google Scholar The latest surveillance data also indicate a steady increase in incidence of gonorrhoea (from 0·38 per 100 000 in 2012 to 0·93 per 100 000 in 2017) and syphilis (from 0·65 per 100 000 to 0·99 per 100 000 in the same period) in the 6–22 years age group. 3 Dong Y Wang L Burgner DP et al. Infectious diseases in children and adolescents in China: analysis of national surveillance data from 2008 to 2017. BMJ. 2020; 369m1043 Google Scholar