South Africa has called on African countries to co-ordinate their efforts and experience in the battle against AIDS and keep the critical health issue on the world agenda.

Launching a National Aids Council in Pretoria, Deputy-President, Jacob Zuma, said the AIDS pandemic was like a war and the region should capitalise on the recent UN security council initiative focussing on the issue to seek more help.

Further evidence of the devastating impact of the disease in South Africa was provided by a survey released today showing that AIDS was responsible for more than eleven per cent of deaths among the national workforce in 1998. Mr Zuma said it was important to remove the cloak of silence around the disease and create an environment of support and compassion.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service