ANGOLA: Strengthening HIV/AIDS strategies

Health Minister Albertina Hamukwaya said Angola has at least 1 million HIV-positive people and the virus could quickly spread unless preventive measures are improved.

Hamukwaya said the estimated number of HIV-positive cases was based on a government survey in just four of Angola's 18 provinces, Reuters reported.

Hamukwaya held talks with UNAIDS Africa Division Director Michel Sidibe, who noted that the number of cases was "severe" due in part to the devastation to health services caused by the country's long civil war, which ended last year.

"Sidibe has commended the efforts of both the National Commission for HIV/AIDS and the government," UNAIDS Country Coordinator in Angola, Alberto Stella, said.

Stella added that during his three-day visit to the country, Sidibe will hold meetings with provincial governors, diplomats and members of civil society to help strengthen existing HIV/AIDS programmes.

Theme (s): Care/Treatment - PlusNews, Other,

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