AFRICA/ZAMBIA - Increasing outbreak of HIV, urgent need to focus on prevention

Lusaka (Agenzia Fides) - According to new estimates by the National AIDS Council in Zambia, there are about 82,700 persons tested HIV-positive in 2009, up compared with over 70,000 in 2007. The Zambia HIV Prevention Response and Modes of Transmission Analysis of 2009 shows that the percentage of new cases of HIV infection has stabilized, but the total number of new infections is increasing due to increased population. There are 71 in 100 of new infections that contract because of sexual relations with different partners, while for faithful couples there is about 21% of infections. The country is facing a new and tough challenge to reduce the infection rate of this pandemic which is threatening the foundations of families and marriages. Although Zambia has recorded several successes in the program for the prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT), ensuring safe blood transfusions, health authorities recommend an urgent focus on future prevention with a campaign that does not have high risk for the family. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 11/11/2009)