New HIV cases decrease in Mississippi

New HIV infections reported in Mississippi have dropped each year since 1995, reaching an overall decrease of almost 25% during the past nine years, The [Jackson] Clarion-Ledger reports. Health officials say the decreases are due to an ongoing campaign at the state health department to offer HIV antibody tests in at-risk communities and to promote AIDS awareness throughout the state. Mobile health units have allowed more than 7,000 people in rural areas to be screened for HIV infections during the past two years. These rural outreach programs also give state residents opportunities for one-on-one HIV counseling. State health officials also have implemented HIV education programs that include talks at high schools and colleges throughout the state.