PITTSBURGH -- The following is a transcript of a report by medical editor Marilyn Brooks that first aired March 25, 2008, on WTAE Channel 4 Action News at 5 p.m.

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One of the most frightening public health problems facing the country today involves teenagers and HIV-AIDS.

HIV infections are growing among teenagers, and some groups are hoping to put a stop to that through education and awareness.

Despite expensive treatments, HIV-AIDS is very much around, and very much affecting their lives. All teenagers are at risk, but according to the ADC, black teens sit high on the impact list.

At the Westin in downtown Pittsburgh, hundreds of teens came to watch the dances and poetry while learning more about HIV-AIDS.

"This goes more in depth in HIV and AIDS, and our school just gets like the basic overview of stuff," said Bethel Park High School student Drew Voleers.

Speakers at the Eighth AIDS Conference gave real world examples in hopes of changing that.

"It's all about understanding and awareness," said Pennsylvania secretary of health Dr. Calvin Johnson. "It's understanding what this virus is, how it spreads and what the effect can be."

For many teens, the message comes too late. Based on results of a recent CDC report, one in four teenage girls between the ages 13 and 19 have already had at least one sexually transmitted disease.

"HIV infection can take up to 10 years to manifest itself," said Johnson. "Some of the 24-year-olds are being infected when they are in their teen, early teen years."

While there are medications, the inevitable can't be delayed forever. The message is to give children information that can save their lives.

"I would definitely go more in-depth on what you should do, younger age groups, middle schools," said Bethel Park High School student Colby O'Brien. "Even at the end of elementary school."

The conference also looked at the economic impact of AIDS.

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