SOMALIA: UN warns of ensuing AIDS disaster

The UN warned on Tuesday that Somalia is on the verge of an AIDS disaster unless steps are taken to quickly curb the spread of HIV by reducing high-risk elements.

In its monthly inter-agency report on the humanitarian situation in Somalia, the UN highlighted low rates of AIDS education, transfusion of unsafe blood and commercial sex as some of the factors responsible for spreading the pandemic.

High mobility and negative cultural practices, including female circumcision, were also listed as issues that needed to be addressed.

The report cited a survey carried out in 2004, which said: "The findings show that HIV will soon become a major health problem if concerted efforts are not put in place to contain the vulnerability factors fuelling the epidemic."

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