Mozambique Reports Increased HIV Rate

Aida Libombo, Mozambique's deputy health minister, reported Wednesday that the HIV infection rate among the nation's adults had risen to nearly 15 percent from 12 percent last year. The ministry reports it is encouraging patients to get treated for STDs; ensuring that all health facilities use and dispose of needles properly; and requiring that all health workers wear rubber gloves. Libombo said the government is planning to begin giving AIDS medicines to those who need them. This will include the provision of nevirapine for HIV-positive pregnant women to prevent the transmission of the virus during childbirth. By 2010, HIV is expected to cause life expectancy in Mozambique to fall to below 40 years.

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