Global HIV/AIDS rates at record highs

FORTY million people worldwide are living with HIV/AIDS, including an estimated 2.5 million children under 15 years old.

Deaths and new cases of HIV/AIDS reached new highs in 2003 and are set to rise further as the epidemic keeps a stranglehold on sub-Saharan Africa and advances across Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

New global estimates released yesterday based on improved data show about five million people were infected in 2003 and more than three million died.