MORE young Singaporeans have contracted sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), with some engaging in sexual intercourse as young as at Secondary 3 and 4 levels.
Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan told Parliament on Monday that the incidence of STIs among youths between 15 and 24 years has risen from 231 per 100,000 population in 1998 to 418 per 100,000 in 2007.
In his response to questions from Hong Kah GRC MP Zaqy Mohamad, Mr Khaw said a 2006 Students' Health Survey, jointly conducted by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) and the Ministry of Education (MOE), found that 4 per cent of Secondary 3 and 4 students have had sexual intercourse.
