HIV infections in North Africa and the Middle East are rising, but from a low starting point. The disease is most prevalent in Somalia and Sudan, but Iran and Libya are also experiencing an increase. Overall, however, the number of people living with HIV/Aids in the region continues to be low.

People with HIV:	550,000
New HIV cases in 2002:	83,000
Deaths from Aids in 2002:	37,000
Children (under 15) with Aids by end of 2002:	40,000
Source: UNAIDS, 2002

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