The number of people infected with HIV dropped to 240,000 in 2007 from 300,000 in 2001, the local Newsweek journal quoted a recent report of the UNAIDS as saying Tuesday.

The report attributed the fact to the fall in the number of HIV-infected pregnant women.

According to the report, there are 6 young women per 1,000 at the age between 15 and 24 infected with HIV, while it is for 7 young men per 1,000 at present in the country.

Official press media reported earlier that the infection rate of HIV in Myanmar declined to 0.67 percent in 2007 from 0.94 percent in 2000.

The figures were based on the findings from a HIV/AIDS projection and impact analysis workshop organization by the Myanmar government and the World Health Organization in September last year.

In its efforts to control AIDS, Myanmar set up the Central Committee for Control and Elimination of AIDS in 1989. A coordination body comprising the ministries, United Nations agencies and social organizations at home and abroad was also established.

As part of the project for control of AIDS and syphilis, efforts are being made for giving educative talks on AIDS, for 100-percent use of condoms in targeted groups in 170 townships in the country and for effective treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, according to the media report.

Work has also been underway for preventing spread of HIV among those who use drugs through injection and from mother to foetus at 37 hospitals and 106 townships, while preventing such spread through blood transfusion and introducing safe blood transfusion.

Besides, 13 strategies on preventive measures and rehabilitation are now being implemented under five-year national strategic plan (2006-2010) adopted collectively by the relevant ministries, local non-governmental organizations, UN agencies and community-based organizations,

In cooperation with foreign organizations in the fight, Myanmar is actively taking part in implementing the ASEAN HIV/AIDS Control Plan, the HIV Prevention Plan in Mekong Region countries, and regional and central level plans of UN agencies.

HIV/AIDS is among the three major communicable diseases of national concern designated by Myanmar. The other two diseases are tuberculosis and malaria.

(Xinhua News Agency August 5, 2008)