05-Jul-02

1Million Infected With HIV in W. Pacific

About 1 million people in the Western Pacific are now infected with HIV and the rate of infection is rising rapidly in many countries in the region, the World Health Organization said today. Last year, WHO officials estimated there were about 700,000 HIV infections in the region and 40,000 actual cases of AIDS. If left unchecked, they said, the number of HIV infections in the region will exceed 1.5 million in 2000. ``The AIDS problem is serious and needs priority attention. We should not be complacent as the danger of expansion exists in many areas,'' WHO Regional Director Shigeru Omi told a workshop on AIDS and sexually transmitted infections. In a statement, Omi said quick action can slow the rate of infection. Already, HIV transmission is stabilizing in some countries in the region, he said. The WHO said the use of condoms should be a priority in preventing the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, particularly among prostitutes and their clients. There should also be mechanisms to guarantee the safety of blood supplies, the organization said. WHO defines the Western Pacific as 37 countries and areas in East Asia and the Pacific.