Laos Reports More HIV/AIDS Cases

The number of people seeking HIV/AIDS treatment in Laotian hospitals climbed from 470 in 2006 to 870 so far this year, according to a report Monday in the Vientiane Times. The deputy minister of public health blamed the increase on the failure of small-scale prevention campaigns to reach people in remote areas and on the increasing number of high-risk entertainment venues. "Laos has a lower HIV infection rate compared to other countries, but we still need to maintain awareness of the disease and ensure people know how to prevent it and protect themselves in high-risk situations," said Khamhoung Heuangvongsy, who called for intensified efforts to raise AIDS awareness among young people and members of high-risk groups.

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