High Number of HIV Infections in Mozambique Concerns UNICEF

UNICEF is concerned by a high number of HIV cases in Mozambique stemming from unsafe sex practices, Executive Director Ann Veneman said recently at the end of her three-day visit to the country, the South African Press Association reports.

According to the South African Press Association, inflation levels of more than 6,000% in Zimbabwe and other economic problems have resulted in hundreds of women from Zimbabwe traveling to towns along the Mozambique-Zimbabwe border to participate in commercial sex work.

Veneman said UNICEF was involved in grassroots projects with organizations in the Mozambique provinces of Gaza, Manica and Sofala to fight HIV/AIDS (South African Press Association, 8/3). Veneman added, "We are working with the Ministry of the Interior in dealing with uncontrolled immigration of Zimbabwean women who are engaged in sexual activities in central Mozambique" (AFP/Google.com, 8/3).

Sixteen percent of those ages 16 to 49 in Mozambique are thought to have HIV/AIDS, according to official figures. However, nongovernmental organizations and other independent health groups say HIV prevalence has increased recently because of high levels of poverty (South African Press Association, 8/3).

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