10% of HIV-Positive People in Peru Receiving Antiretrovirals From Government, Official Says

About 9,000 of the estimated 90,000 HIV-positive people in Peru have received government-sponsored antiretroviral drugs, Jose Sebastian -- national coordinator of the sanitarian strategy of prevention and control of HIV/AIDS -- said Wednesday, Xinhua/China View reports. Sebastian said that the government has allocated 15 million soles, or about $5 million, in 2008 to help people living with the virus.

He also called on the people in Peru to increase their awareness of the difficulties faced by HIV-positive people and to express respect for them. HIV-positive people often are "discriminated against due to the lack of information," Sebastian said, adding, "These persons are entitled to exercise their right to work, health and education" (Xinhua/China View, 5/29).

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