The number of HIV diagnoses in Ireland rose by 22 percent in 2002, the country's National Disease Surveillance Center said Tuesday. According to NDSC, there were 364 new cases last year, with over half of them involving immigrants born in sub-Saharan Africa. "The figures highlight the continuing need for appropriate prevention and treatment services for all risk groups in Ireland, including migrants and ethnic communities," said NDSC Public Health Specialist Mary Cronin. About two-thirds of new cases were among heterosexuals, up 34 percent from 2001. More than 80 percent of the new HIV cases involved people ages 20-40, while 54 percent were women. Last year, a total of 12 AIDS cases were reported, bringing the total number of cases in Ireland to 731. The NDSC said that figure is likely to be an underestimate due to a delay in reporting AIDS in the country. Four AIDS-related deaths in 2002 brought Ireland's total to 369.

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