| Associated
Press November 15, 2006 SINGAPORE THE number of people living with HIV and AIDS in Singapore is rising and the government is planning a public dialogue to encourage more people to be tested, local media reported Wednesday, Nov 15. In the first half of 2006, 149 new cases of HIV were reported in this city state of 4 million, the Health Promotion Board said, according to the Channel NewsAsia television station. The virus can lead to AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome where the body's immune system becomes compromised and open to other infections. HIV can be transmitted through unprotected sex, the sharing of intravenous syringes, the use of contaminated blood during transfusions or passed from infected women to their babies during pregnancy. At the end of last year, Singapore had 2852 HIV/AIDS cases, but the board believes the actual number may be two to four times higher, according to the report. Authorities think many people do not come forward for testing or go overseas for treatment because of the stigma attached to the virus. A two-day campaign timed to coincide with World AIDS Day on Dec. 1 will include public and business symposiums aimed at removing the stigma and promoting sex education, the report said. The United Nations said earlier this year that 40 million people worldwide are living with HIV and AIDS, and 8000 die every day from the disease. |
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