Teens aged between 14 and 25 can also get free treatment for VD, birth control

Teenagers can get free HIV/Aids tests at 13 private clinics in Bangkok under a new public awareness project launched by an US-based non-profit agency.

 The "Dare to love, dare to check" project provides blood and body tests along with birth control and cures for venereal diseases for teenagers between 14 and 25, says Usasinee Rewthong, an official with Programme for Appropriate Technology in Health.

She says the target group of teenagers was most vulnerable to unwanted pregnancy, prostitution and drug abuse.

Queries about the project can be made at hotline 1330 extension 4 from 4pm to 10pm or at lovecarestation.com.

Parental consent

However, the project requires legal exemption from parents for minors 18 and younger to seek blood tests, says Jeerakan Jindatham, a youth activist speaking at a Bangkok seminar.

He says Medical Council regulations need to be amended to enable the 13 clinics to legally test blood of children under 18.

He says Aids and unwanted pregnancy can be tackled much more efficiently if children under 18 have blood tests immediately after unprotected sex, or after experiencing suspicious symptoms.