Panamanians aged from 15 to 49 hardest hit by HIV/AIDS

PANAMA, Dec. 1 (Xinhua ) -- Panama's economically active population aged from 15 to 49 is the hardest hit by HIV/AIDS, an activist said on Tuesday.

More than 10, 000 Panamanians are infected with this virus and about 500 new cases are reported annually, according to Orlando Quintero, president of the Foundation for the Welfare and Dignity of People Living with AIDS.

"The population is not aware of exposure to this sexually transmitted disease," he said. .

"The government must keep on with prevention campaigns all the time and not just once a year," he added.

To mark World AIDS Day that falls on Tuesday, social organizations have organized educational activities with distribution of leaflets on AIDS prevention.

**********

Original Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-12/02/content_12573116.htm
Date Retrieved: December 2, 2009