670 identified positive for AIV/AIDS

VIENTIANE,20.03.2012 (KPL) - The number of HIV/AIDS victims for 2011 was 670, increased by 58 as compared to the figure recorded in 2010, according to local official. Deputy Head of the HIV/AIDS Prevention Centre, Dr. Chanthone Khamsybounheuang said that there were 4,942 people with HIV/Aids. Vientiane Capital has the most number of the HIV/AIDS victims (1,752), followed by Savannakhet (1,719), said the official. Those involved in men-men sex, commercial sex and drug abuse are most at high risk of HIV/AIDS infection, according to Dr. Chanthone. However, said the doctor “HIV/AIDS Prevention Centre will focus on preventive measures by targeting risk groups, helping them gain an access to information, counselling assistance and blood test, peer-peer volunteering, promoting condom use and extending blood test network. “Across the country, there are over 100 blood test centres and seven HIV/AIDS medical centres which provide free of charge service. Two of them are in Vientiane capital and the rest are in Savannakhet, Champassak, Luang Prabang, Borkeo and Luang Namtha.