MOZAMBIQUE: AIDS threatens development and life expectancy

HIV/AIDS is cutting life expectancy in Mozambique and threatening the ongoing reconstruction that has taken place since the 16-year civil war ended in 1992.

According to a Ministry of Health report, life expectancy at birth is now estimated at 38.1 years, compared to 46.4 years without the presence of disease.

Health Minister Francisco Songane said the figures should be a reminder of how serious the effects of HIV/AIDS were. Around 1.4 million of the country's 18 million population are HIV-positive.

Reuters quoted Songane as saying, "We need to act to reduce the speed of the growth of HIV/AIDS, which is a huge development challenge."

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