THE involvment of young people and marginalised groups such as abused women and children is important to control the spread of HIV/AIDS.

President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said maintaining silence was not good.

"The evidence of STIs and unplanned pregnancies provide chilling evidence that as far as sexual and reproductive health and HIV and AIDS is concerned, what you do not know can kill you," he said.

He said the low status of women and youth was a challenge yet to be met.

"When women are perceived as property or considered of less worth than males, they're treated as second-rate citizens," he said. "Women are more vulnerable to HIV biologically and culturally. We cannot sacrifice women on the alter of the male ego, arrogance and selfishness."

Ratu Epeli said more than 60 per cent of the Pacific population was classified as young people, and too often their concerns remained unheard.

"Too often they are told to know their place and be respectful of their elders. Yet they are the most sexually active and therefore the most vulnerable group in our population," he said.

Ratu Epeli was happy with the efforts of HIV-positive youths to raise awareness of STIs during regional events including the Miss South Pacific Pageant and Pacific Youth Festival.

"I'm proud our positive people are setting a fine example to the rest of the Pacific. In the process, they're helping to strengthen the reputation of Suva as the caring hub of the Pacific," he said.

Source: Fiji Times Online, 4 December 2009