MORE than two decades ago, the first acquired immune deficiency syndrome (Aids) patient was diagnosed here.

Since then, close to 4,000 people have been diagnosed as infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the precursor to Aids.

In spite of all that has been done to contain its spread, the number of new infections grows each year. In 1997, there were 173 new cases. Last year, the figure had more than doubled to 423. The number this year will be higher still.

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