Study Finds improvements in teen sexual behavior, but increased risks

This story, appearing in the New York Times, discusses the encouraging developments in US teens' sexual behavior, but highlights an important, and disturbing trend: while teens are delaying sex and increasing their condom use over a 17-year period, the rate of HIV and other STDs is increasing in the past few years. The article states that while teens are having less sex, having it later, and using condoms more often, there is still

"...a 34 percent increase in H.I.V. and AIDS cases diagnosed among teenagers 15 to 19 from 2003 to 2006."

This increase underscores the need for more comprehensive education in terms of the risks of STDs, particularly HIV/AIDS.

To read the full study, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report for August 1st.

Olympians and Until There's A Cure

Congratulations to Kerri Walsh, Olympic Gold-Medalist in beach volleyball, and one of our most recent PSAs! Kerri's photo appears in September's issue of Maxim Magazine, and she is wearing several of our African Art bracelets.

Along with Kerri, Olympic Gold-Medalist men's basketball player Carmelo Anthony has posed for Until There's A Cure, wearing our best-selling silver plate bracelet, as well as the now-discontinued large jelly bracelet. Look for Carmelo's photo in upcoming months.

Congratulations on all the impressive performances, and a special thanks to those who have lent their time and faces to the fight... Until There's A Cure.

Please support the reauthorization of PEPFAR

The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief is currently under threat in the US Congress. Please take a moment to visit this site and sign your name, encouraging the reauthorization of these much-needed funds.

"The Senate might not consider PEPFAR reauthorization at all this year. With 15,000 new infections every day in sub-Saharan Africa, over 60% of them among women and young girls, we can't afford any delays in renewing US commitment to fighting AIDS."

For detailed information about PEPFAR, please visit their web site.

-Until There's A Cure