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ZIMBABWE: AIDS-related labour losses affecting production

[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]

JOHANNESBURG, 18 December (PLUSNEWS) - In its latest study, the UN Relief and Recovery Unit (RRU) has found that Zimbabwe's already struggling agricultural sector had been badly affected by HIV/AIDS.

The report noted that "productivity has been severely affected in the agricultural sector as a direct result of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the country".

It also said the highest number of HIV-positive people were in the 15 to 23 age range - "the core of the agricultural labour force".

The RRU warned in a statement: "With the agricultural sector threatened in this way, and at a time when food security is already a major cause for concern, urgent short- and medium-term initiatives in the HIV/AIDS sector are required."

[ENDS]

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