GUINEA: Higher than expected AIDS rates in Guinea

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Guinea is on the verge of spreading rapidly within the general population, a new study has found.

e country's first comprehensive national HIV/AIDS survey has estimated that the number of people living with HIV/AIDS could double to 282,000 by 2010, with the number of AIDS-related deaths rising to 119,000 over the same period.

The survey conducted by a local NGO, Stat-view International, warned that if not tackled immediately, the higher than anticipated HIV prevalence rates could have serious implications for the country's development.

"The rates were significantly higher than we anticipated in both Conakry [the capital], and in urban areas of the Forest Region," Stat-view International director, Aliou Barry, said in a statement.

Barry urged that any interventions designed to halt the spread of HIV/AIDS in Guinea be prioritised in these areas.

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

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