AIDS cases on the
rise in Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has reported an increase in new cases of HIV. A lack of awareness among the nation's youth and a steady level of immigration may be responsible for the rise, according to a statement by National Reference Laboratory on AIDS head Marie Bruckova to the Prague Daily Monitor on Tuesday.

In 2006 the number of reported HIV/AIDS cases reached 899 by November 1, whereas in 2000 only 501 cases were reported. Approximately half of the 2006 cases were found in the capital, Prague, and 20% of the individuals were women. HIV/AIDS reporting began in 1985 in the Czech Republic.

"The young people don't have any scare about the deadly disease," she told the paper.

While many of the infected people immigrating into the country initially came from countries in Africa, Bruckova said that they are now coming from other Eastern and Central European countries--particularly Russia. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS has stated that the former Soviet bloc has one of the fastest growing incidences of HIV infection in the world. (The Advocate)