Angola, whose estimated HIV infection rate of 5 percent of the population is far lower than the 20-30 percent rates found in other southern African nations, has recorded 3,000 new infections this year. Dulcelina Serrano, coordinator of the National AIDS Combat Program, said the upturn follows the opening of new testing centers around the country. The 27-year civil war that isolated Angola from outsiders also helped keep its infection rate low, say health experts. But that conflict ended in April 2002, and the reopening of the diamond- and oil-rich nation puts it at risk for a massive spread of the virus. In response, the government has boosted funding for AIDS education and treatment.

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