14 EAST EUROPE

ALBANIA

HIV Testing Fails To Show Any Carriers

AU2503181792 Tirana BASHKIMI in Albanian
5 Mar 92 p3

{Interview with YIli Savolli, deputy chairman of the
National AIDS Prevention Committee, by an unidenti-
fied reporter; place and date not given: “Is There AIDS
in Albania?”]

[Text] Reporter: The “news” that cases of AIDS have
been identified in Albania has been circulating among
the public for a long time. What is the truth about this
problem?

Savolli: The data available to us show that none of the
persons so far tested are seropositive, i.e. carriers of the
AIDS virus. About 8,000 persons in high-risk groups have
been tested since 1988, when the AIDS Diagnosis Labora-
tory was opened in the Institute of Hygiene and the
seroepidemological study of the disease began. However,
this data does not mean that AIDS does not exist among
us. The small number of persons tested, the shortage of test
kits, the still inadequate resources we possess to combat
and prevent this disease, and the increasing number of
people at risk of infection all diminish the value of our
data. Bearing this in mind, the Health Ministry’s National
AIDS Prevention Committee assessed the situation at its
most recent meeting and concluded that our country is
faced with an immediate danger of the introduction of
AIDS, and that it has perhaps already arrived. For this
reason, the identification of a case through testing would
be a desirable thing, to sensitize the public.

Reporter: What experience do we have in the struggle to
prevent the virus from spreading?

Savolli: The first specialists trained for short periods,
mainly in Paris, between 1984 and 1987. The National
AIDS Prevention Committee was formed in 1987 and
drafted the first program to combat the disease. The
AIDS Diagnosis Laboratory was opened in 1988. A
second program for 1989-1990 was drafted in 1989. The
WHO provided more than $150,000 for these two pro-
grams, for the creation of the laboratory in the Institute
of Hygiene, for short training courses for specialists, and
for equipment, teaching materials, etc. A medium-term
program for 1990-1993 has also been drawn up and will
be carried out also with the help of the WHO. The WHO
will support the program to the tune of about $800,000.

Reporter: Do you think this program will immunize our
country against the danger of AIDS?

Savolli: I think that carrying out this program will make
it possible to create the necessary network and facilities
to cope with all the problems the disease poses. However,
AIDS is a disease with a social dimension, and it is
related to people’s education, life-style, morality, etc.

SJPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

CZECHOSLOVAKIA

AIDS, HIV Statistics Reported

AU0704103792 Prague RUDE PRAVO in Czech
2 Apr 92 p4

[“(PER)”-signed report: “Twenty-three AIDS Cases”]

[Text] Prague—According to the Czech Health Ministry,
on 1 March there were 23 AIDS cases in the Czech
Republic and 174 individuals who tested HIV positive.
Of the AIDS victims, 22 were Czechs and one a for-
eigner. A total of 15 Czechoslovak citizens have died of
AIDS. Of those who tested HIV positive, 98 are citizens
and 76 foreigners. This malignant disease is spread
mostly in Prague, where 15 AIDS victims and 66-HIV
positive cases are registered.

Apart from the foreigners, 120 Czechoslovak citizens are
infected. Of them, 112 are men and eight are women.
The age of the victims is disquieting. In seven cases,
children under 14 were infected, and another seven
individuals fall between 15 and 19. The largest number
of infected people, a total of 38, are in the 20 to 29
year-old age group, and 30 people aged 30 to 39 are
infected. A total of 16 people are between 40 and 50, and
another 13 people are older than 50.

As of 1 March, doctors in the Czech Republic had
conducted 2.5 million HIV checkups. The largest
number of medical tests has been conducted on blood
donors—almost 1.9 million.

HUNGARY

AIDS Foundation Short of Funds, Facing Possible
Epidemic

LD1704135892 Budapest MTI in English 0900 GMT

17 Apr 92

[Text] Budapest, April 17 (MTI)—By the end of 1991, forty
four Hungarians died in AIDS [as received]. The number of
AIDS victims has increased to 54 by now, and may soon
reach 70 as several patients are in a crucial stage, Eszter
Legrady, executive manager of the Hungarian AIDS Foun-
dation, told Friday’s ‘MAGYAR NEMZET’.

It can be calculated from the known HIV cases (302)
with an internationally recognized method that there are
at least 3,000 HIV infects in the country. Some experts,
however, put their number at 7,000-15,000, she said.

Unfortunately, the foundation has run short of funds
and failed to receive further donations. As a conse-
quence, it is unable to finance information campaigns
that are considered the most efficient form of preven-
tion, the executive manager said.

Information would be badly needed since a growing
number of women are infected through heterosexual
intercourse. In other words, the epidemic is no longer
limited to the groups at risk, Legrady said.



JPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

Paper Urges Tougher Laws To Combat AIDS

92WE0360A Helsinki HUFVUDSTADSBLADET
in Swedish 23 Feb 92 p 2

[Editorial: “Employ Every Means To Fight HIV and
AIDS”

[Text] The HIV infection and AIDS are serious public
health problems and they are growing in magnitude the
world over.

The types of viruses which cause the diseases possess
properties some of which had been unknown until today,
but to fight the spread of HIV and AIDS it is advisable to
benefit from decades of experience in learning how
infectious diseases can be fought.

Owing to the fact that in the western world this deadly
viral disease was first noted among homosexuals, both
information and the fight [against AIDS] got priority.

In part the general public got the erroneous and dan-
gerous notion that this was just a problem for sexual
minorities and in part protecting people from infection
was influenced to an unnecessarily great extent by homo-
sexual pressure groups.

It is both understandable and worth noting that people
are afraid that the liberalization which had been
achieved in the area of attitudes toward sexual minori-
ties will be undermined, but at the same time everyone
involved is hurt by the fact that special treatment for this
disease was advocated.

The issue of HIV/AIDS is of course extremely sensitive
since it is to such a great extent one of private sexual
mores, yet it is still important that epidemiological and
medical efforts benefit from the experiences and the
methodologies which already exist within the realm of
preventing infection.

In this context it is necessary that the disease be reported
in such a way that preventive efforts have every oppor-
tunity to detect infection in those cases where it is
suspected and follow up contacts who it may be feared
are infected and present a risk of infection for others.

It is obvious that this should occur primarily through
open and trusting contacts between patients/clients and
relevant health care staff, which is also the case.

But in an imperfect world, we cannot assume that
everyone knows what is best or wants it for themselves or
others. Decades of work combating infectious diseases
show that unfortunately there are individuals who
through their behavior constitute a risk to themselves
and to others.

So it is proper that HIV/AIDS be classified in such a way
which makes it possible to follow up infectious risks
efficiently and thus strengthen preventive efforts. This is
all the more important as there is as yet no effective
treatment.

WEST EUROPE 35

In practice it is seldom necessary to apply these harsher
measures, but they are needed for exceptions. Further-
more, in the long term, it is better that a disease not have
a biased special position but rather than it fall within the
framework of normal efforts at preventing infection.

This is also necessary inasmuch as risky behavior is
increasingly being concentrated among the heterosexual
majority and among drug users.

Responsible homosexuals have already demonstrated
that information and solidarity can reduce the risk of
infection. We can hope that such attitudes will also
counteract certain signs of irresponsible opposition by
needed research efforts.

The problem of HIV/AIDS has drawn attention to how
hard it is to fight drug abuse. Quite some time ago there
was an example of a controversial effort to treat drug
users which skirted the limit of what was legally permis-
sible.

This involved programs in which the authorities distrib-
uted methadone or other drugs and made it possible to
exchange used hypodermic syringes for clean ones.

The experimental program in Holland and southern
Sweden showed that the spread of HIV can be cut in this
way, and it is proper to take such unconventional
methods seriously inasmuch as many traditional
methods have proven to be utterly ineffective in the fight
against drug abuse—and thus against HIV/AIDS.

Both proven and new methods are needed to find the
answer to the difficult problem of HIV infection and
AIDS.

FRANCE

Volunteers Respond for AIDS Vaccine Testing

92WE0317A Paris LE FIGARO in French
27 Feb 92 p 15

{Article by Dr. Martine Perez: “The Intelligent Guinea
Pigs of the AIDS Vaccine”—first paragraph is LE
FIGARO introduction]

[Text] Response to the appeal of the National [AIDS]
Research Agency and the Pasteur Institute has been
unexpectedly large. The majority of volunteers are men,
of all ages. Many have close friends stricken by the
disease...

Who is the typical volunteer for testing AIDS vaccines?
A man, not necessarily very young, who lives in Paris or
in the Paris region and who feels personally involved in
the war against AIDS. On 27 November 1991, after
unsuccessful recruitment efforts by less media-intensive
methods, the National AIDS Research Agency (ANRS)
launched an appeal in the press for 60 volunteers who
were healthy—not infected with the AIDS virus—and
willing to participate in tests of an experimental vaccine



SJPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

system of epidemiological control over HIV (human
immune deficiency virus) infection has also been out-
lined. It involves prevention and epidemiological mea-
sures aimed at preventing the infection from being
introduced from foreigners and restricting transmission.
among Ukraine citizens through sexual contact and
blood transfusion.

Some 10 million blood donors and other persons must be
checked annually against clinical and epidemiological
indexes. This makes it necessary to organize a network of
laboratories and equip them with high-quality facilities
and efficient diagnostic systems.

The program includes psychological and social assis-
tance for persons with HIV and corresponding training
for personnel working with these patients. The funda-
mental tasks include training medical cadres for timely
and full identification of AIDS patients, provision of
qualified medical assistance to them, prevention of
AIDS proliferation, and the awareness of the need for
preventive measures while treating AIDS patients or
HIV carriers. For this purpose, it is necessary to train
physicians and secondary medical personnel and insti-
tutionalize the experience accumulated in combating
these illnesses.

The program also envisages specialized treatment and
prevention assistance that involves primary diagnosis
and comprehensive examination in specialized hospitals
of suspected HIV and AIDS patients.

In order to provide the proper level of assistance, it is
necessary to plan priority financing for these measures.
[passage omitted]

CENTRAL EURASIA 31

[Accompanying the article is a boxed statement by the
Ukrainian Health Service Center [Ukrtsentrzdorov]
headlined “AIDS Is Already in Our Own Home!” The
statement says “there are 258 AIDS sufferers in Ukraine,
with one-third of them our citizens.”

ips Training Symposium Commences Moscow
Apr

LD3103154892 Moscow ITAR-TASS in English

0800 GMT 31 Mar 92

[Article by ITAR-TASS correspondent Genine
Babakian]

[Text] Moscow March 31 TASS—A team of 14 Amer-
ican AIDS educators will open the first AIDS training
symposium ever held in Moscow this Saturday.

Nearly 200 participants from throughout the Common-
wealth of Independent States, Georgia and the Baltics
will convene for a week-long series of workshops on
AIDS education and prevention. The symposium, orga-
nized by Kevin Gardner, Moscow director for the Inter-
national Center for Better Health (ICBH), will be held on
the M.S.“Gleb Krzhizhanovskiy,” a ship docked along
the Moscow river.

“The idea is to train people in various professions to be
AIDS educators,” said Stuart Altschuler, ICBH pro-
gramm director. “Hopefully, a snowball effect will occur,
and people will become more aware about HIV and
AIDS and how to fight the disease.”

A press conference with the American educators and
local AIDS officials will take place on Friday, April 3, at
1300 [0900 GMT] in the Minsk AB room at the Olympic
Penta Hotel.



40 INTERNATIONAL

Worldwide AIDS Incidence Increasing

92WE0237A Moscow SOVETSKAYA ROSSIYA
in Russian 11 Jan 92 p 5

[Article by N. Suglobov: “AIDS: Statistics of Pending
Disaster. There Are No Safe Areas”]

[Text] The AIDS pandemic has issued a fatal call to
people in many regions of the planet. At the same time
the complacency of society is rising, and the resolution to
combat the virus is weakening. Similar alarming evalu-
ations are ever more frequently flashing across the pages
of the western press.

At the beginning of January 1981, M. Gotlib, an immu-
nology professor at California [State] University at Los
Angeles, was the first to show students the first AIDS
patient. In the 11 years that have since passed, this
disease has been officially recorded in 157 countries of
the world, where up to 500,000 victims have been
identified. The specialists say that the actual number
may be more than 700-800,000, and there may be up to
10,000,000 virus carriers.

The most serious epidemiological situation is in the
USA, where 200,000 AIDS patients have been regis-
tered, three-fourths of which have already died. Three
thousand new cases of the disease are identified
monthly. AIDS has become one of the chief causes of
death among women aged 20 to 40 years. In New York
alone, as the National Conference of American Physi-
cians noted, up to one percent of pregnant women have
AIDS. Even now the medical establishments in that city
are choking from the flood of patients and are experi-
encing shortages of resources and medical personnel.

The AIDS epidemic is also gaining strength in Europe. A
report by the French national agency for AIDS control
noted that there is one virus carrier for every 30 people
aged 25-35 years in Greater Paris, and there are approx-
imately 200,000 carriers in the country.

The pandemic knows no political or geographical bound-
aries. The virus affects all people, regardless of age,
nationality, race, or lifestyle. The beginning of the
second decade of life in a society under the conditions of
AIDS has been marked by a gradual shift in the epicenter
of the pandemic to developing countries. In Thailand,
for example, the number of virus carriers has increased
by 50 times in the last three years alone! There are
rapidly developing areas of the epidemic in the countries
of Latin America. In Brazil, it is predicted that the
number of victims will increase from 20,000 today to
90,000 by 1995, and 260,000 by the end of the century.
More than 3,000 victims have been found in Haiti;
however, physicians suspect that one in three inhabitants
of this island has the AIDS virus.

AIDS continues to spread through Africa, much faster
than the prophylactic programs that have been initiated
in a number of countries on this continent. The wave of

JPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

the epidemic has already broken over the entire conti-
nent and is literally spilling from the city to the country.
In the opinion of M. Rozema, director of the Pan-
African Organization for AIDS Prevention, up to 20
percent of the adult population of Central Africa is
infected with the fatal virus. In Africa the epidemic is
steadily eliminating the advances that have been made in
reducing infant mortality and in the next decade will
reduce the average life span to 48 years. AIDS is already
destroying entire towns in African countries and is
seriously undermining the work force, which in turn
results in a decrease in aid from exports and generates
signs of hunger.

Indian physicians compare the future spread of AIDS in
Asia to a volcano ready to erupt. The economic, social,
and religious factors, the poverty of the people, and
discrimination of women will lay all the conditions for
the spread of the virus.

Y. Museveni, president of Uganda, announced at the
opening of the Seventh AIDS Conference, which was
recently held in Florence, that the worldwide burden of
preventing the infection is moving rapidly to the devel-
oping world, where 90 percent of those with AIDS will
live by the year 2010. If coordinated measures are not
undertaken for correcting the economic imbalance
between developed and developing countries, he said
that we would be witnesses to the deaths of many
millions of people.

The decrease in prices for raw materials, curtailed
importation of medications, and the undeveloped infra-
structure of medical services and shortage of resources
for prophylactic campaigns has made developing coun-
tries extremely vulnerable to AIDS. The solutions
offered by physicians may begin to work, if up to 85,000
dollars are spent on each AIDS patient. Where are the
African countries, whose total public health budgets
allow for less than 3.5 dollars per person per year, going
to get that kind of money? In its report, the international
institute PANOS [as published] indicated that funds that
far surpass those available in the African countries are
needed to combat AIDS in Africa.

The second decade of AIDS will be, according to special-
ists’ predictions, even more serious than the preceding
one. By the end of the decade the number of AIDS cases
in Africa and America may triple, and in Asia the
increase will be ten-fold. The annual morbidity rate in
1995 will be approximately 450,000, and by the year
2000 it will be 600,000 persons. As a result, 10,000,000
children under the age of ten will be left orphans.

In order to prevent a catastrophe we need first and
foremost all the resources to meet medical needs. Pro-
fessor V. Ramalingasvami, from the All-India Institute
of Medical Sciences and UNICEF advisor on AIDS, was
fully justified in saying at the conference that the
“expenses of fighting the Persian Gulf war of one billion
dollars per day show that we have the resources if there



8 EAST ASIA

took no precautions against becoming infected with
AIDS or other sex-related diseases.

Of all respondents, 225, or 7.2 percent, said they had
contracted some form of venereal disease in the past,
with nearly half reporting gonorrhea, followed by inflam-
mation of the urethra, chlamydia, and syphilis.

Twenty-eight people said they used cocaine or other
illicit drugs, and about half of those said they used
syringes.

Unprotected sex and intravenous drug use are said by
experts to be major ways the AIDS infection is trans-
mitted.

Excluding people infected through blood transfusions,
238 Japanese have been confirmed as having AIDS or
the virus that causes it in the past year, according to
government figures. But AIDS support groups claim the
Official statistics drastically understate the problem.

Since the first case of AIDS was confirmed in Japan in
1985, 553 cases have been identified.

New AIDS Information Campaign To Be
Launched

0W1903091492 Tokyo KYODO in English 0606 GMT
19 Mar 92

[Text] Tokyo, March 19 KYODO—The government
announced plans Thursday for a renewed public infor-
mation campaign to promote awareness of AIDS in a bid
to stem the stepped-up spread of the incurable disease.

The campaign will focus on the increasing spread of the
disease through heterosexual contact, and will also warn
Japanese of the alleged dangers of sexual contact with
foreign nationals.

The cabinet committee on AIDS countermeasures also
agreed to improve medical facilities and counseling for
people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV) that causes AIDS, in anticipation of an increase in
the number of virus carriers.

The committee, headed by Health and Welfare Minister
Tokuo Yamashita, met for the first time in five years to
partially revise AIDS countermeasures drawn up in
1987.

Last year 145 of the 238 new cases of HIV infections
occurred via sexual contact were foreign nationals, up
from 15 cases in 1987.

In 1991 the number of cases of HIV infection spread by
heterosexual contact quadrupled from the previous year
to 123.

The total number of new infections was up 2.5 percent
from the previous year.

The real figures may be much higher, however, because
many cases are believed to be not reported.

IJPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

“In general, there is a tendency for people not to regard
AIDS as something that could affect them. We want the
average person to have correct information,” said Tat-
suro Fujihira, who is in charge of AIDS policy at the
Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Fujihira cited transmission of the disease during sexual
encounters between Japanese and foreigners, as well as
increasing rate of infection by heterosexual contact as
sources of concern, and said information will be targeted
in particular at Japanese who travel abroad, and for-
eigners in Japan.

Medical experts called on the government to launch a
national campaign earlier this month after a survey
showed that only one in four respondents who had had
sexual relations with multiple partners reported using
condoms, the only known way to prevent the spread of
the virus during sexual intercourse.

There are no government projections on the future
spread of the disease, Fujihira said, but the government
wants the medical establishment to be prepared for
expected increase in number of infections.

Among the countermeasures agreed to were wider avail-
ability of AIDS detection tests, greater access to trained
counselors, and assurance that AIDS patients receive
adequate care.

Last year 50 medical professionals received special
training to counsel people infected with HIV, Fujihira
said.

There have been scattered media reports on reluctance
by some medical establishments to handle AIDS-related
cases. The government, however, has not conducted any
independent investigations, Fujihira said.

Since the first HIV infection in Japan was reported in
1985, a total of 2,408 cases have been reported to
authorities, including 453 who had contracted full-blown
AIDS.

SOUTH KOREA

Ministry Seeks To Deport HIV Positive Nepalese
Worker

SK1903002592 Seoul THE KOREA HERALD

in English 19 Mar 92 p 3

[From the “News Briefs” column]

[Text] A 21-year-old Nepalese man tested positive for
the HIV virus which causes AIDS and the ministry of
Health and Social Affairs has asked the related authori-
ties to deport him, a ministry spokesman said yesterday.

In a recent serum test for illegal foreign workers in the
country, the unidentified man was found to be infected
with the virus, but he had no sexual contacts with locals,
the spokesman said.



IPRS-TEP-92-007
18 NEAR EAST & SOUTH ASIA 24 April 1992
REGIONAL AFFAIRS This 13-14 February regional conference organized by

Regional AIDS Conference: Statistics Reported

92WE0301A Rabat L’OPINION in French
16 Feb 92, p3

[Article by MAP: “Each of Three Maghrebian Countries
Reports 100 AIDS Cases”]

[Text] Close to a hundred AIDS cases have been
reported in each of three Maghrebian countries—Algeria
(92), Morocco (98), and Tunisia (105), according to
speakers at the First Maghrebian Regional Conference of
Aésociations for the Struggle Against AIDS that opened
on Friday in Casablanca.

In Morocco, the Sexually Transmitted and Dermatolog-
ical Diseases Service of the Directorate of Epidemiology
and Health Programs (Ministry of Public Health)
reported 226 HIV cases as of 31 December 1991. These
cases were divided into the following categories: 98 cases
of AIDS, 27 cases of AIDS-related syndrome, and 101
asymptomatic carriers of the virus.

Of the 98 AIDS cases, 44 (or 45 percent) were between
the ages of 30 and 39. The average age of the AIDS
victims was 33.6. Out of 98 cases, 85 were male and 13
female. Seventeen were foreigners.

The predominant mode of transmission was sexual: In
38 cases (or 36.7 percent) the disease was acquired
through heterosexual contact, in 17 cases (17.4 percent)
through intravenous drug use, in 13 cases (13.3 percent)
through homosexual contact and in nine cases (9.2
percent) via parenteral transmission (blood/blood prod-
ucts).

In Algeria, 45 of the 92 AIDS victims were infected
overseas. Here again, the majority of victims were men:
69 males versus 23 females. The group most affected
(both sexes included) was between ages 20 and 39. This
was the age group of 64 of the cases (54 men and 10
women).

The most common mode of infection was drug abuse (27
cases, of which 22 were contracted abroad), followed by
blood transfusion (22 cases, of which 13 were contracted
abroad) and heterosexual contact (seven cases, of which
only two were contracted abroad).

In Tunisia, where 14 of the victims were foreign
nationals, the principal mode of transmission was intra-
venous drug abuse (found only among Tunisian enii-
gres), while heterosexual contact is on its way to
becoming the almost exclusive mode of transmission
among autochthonous Tunisians.

All the victims were infected with the HIV-1 virus, and
an average of 50 cases have been diagnosed each year.
Transmission via blood transfusion has virtually ceased
since 1987, when the practice of screening all blood
donors for HIV was instituted.

the Moroccan Association for the Struggle Against AIDS
(ALCS) has brought together representatives of the
ALCS associations of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.
The conference was held under the auspices of the World
Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the
National Struggle Against AIDS program and Enda-
Maghreb.

On the agenda for the two-day conference were such
subjects as “prevention of HIV infection,” “role of the
NGO’s [nongovernmental organizations],” “prevention
of HIV infection in the Maghreb,” “current situation
and future prospects,” and “AIDS and sexual transmis-
sion: prevention and public awareness strategies.”

ALGERIA

Paper Cites AIDS Statistics for Western Algeria

LD1603144292 Rabat MAP in English 1240 GMT
16 Mar 92

[Text] Oran, March 16 (MAP)—Forty-two cases of AIDS
out of which 15 in the wilaya (prefecture) of Oran were
recorded in 1991 in western Algeria, reported Sunday
AL-JUMHURIYAH daily.

Quoting Dr. Messaud Nasser, founder member of the
Association of Assistance and Struggle Against AIDS,
the daily said most AIDS affected people had lived
abroad. They contracted the disease either through
infected syringes or through sexual intercourse.

AIDS affected children contracted the disease by blood
transfusions, the daily said adding that 92 AIDS cases
were numbered throughout Algeria.

INDIA

AIDS Rise in Manipur Said Related to Addiction

92WE0369A Calcutta THE TELEGRAPH in English
30 Jan 92 p4

[Text] Guwahati, 29 January—AIDS has assumed epi-
demic proportions and will infect about five million
people in India by the year 2,000 unless effective mea-
sures are taken soon, says a report prepared by the Union
ministry of health in collaboration with the World
Health Organisation, (WHO).

Experts expressed grave concern at the sub-regional
conference on AIDS held in Imphal between 20 and 24
January. The conference was organised jointly by the
government of Manipur and the Union government in
collaboration with the Union Nations Development Pro-
gramme.

Manipur has registered a steep rise in the number of
registered AIDS cases. However, unlike in other states
where the disease has been spread through heterosexual



36 WEST EUROPE

developed by a team headed by Prof. Marc Girard of the
Pasteur Institute. The very first day, the ANRS switch-
board was inundated with calls. Offers poured in from all
corners of France—an oblique testimonial to the deep
impact the AIDS epidemic has had on the French
population.

To date, three months after the appeal, ANRS has
received more than 600 letters from volunteers. The
volunteers will now go through a strict selection process,
based on very precise medical and psychological criteria,
to come up with a pool of at least 150 participants
(ANRS has decided to go for a larger sample, since the
recruitment campaign was so successful) for experiments
in the coming months. The first test is expected to begin
in about eight weeks.

Even a cursory review of the 600 letters sent to ANRS is
enough to give an instant “sociological” portrait of the
characteristics and motivations of typical volunteers.
Two-thirds of them are men. They are between ages 18
and 65, with no age group disproportionately repre-
sented. The majority are Parisians, but letters have come
in from all over France and even from abroad. However,
in accordance with the Huriet law, only persons covered
by the national health system are eligible to participate.

Some letters were sent by prisoners; their applications
were necessarily rejected, for ethical reasons. Others,
also excluded, came from seropositive patients hoping to
derive some benefit from the experimentation, though
Participation is strictly limited to volunteers who test
negative for the AIDS virus. It is also difficult to accept
into the pool those who, while not themselves infected by
the AIDS virus, have a seropositive partner.

Worried Parents

All socioeconomic strata were represented. Included
were letters from doctors and researchers (the doctors,
researchers, and technicians organizing and coordinating
the experiment are not allowed to participate as volun-
teers). Against all expectations, less than 10 of the 600
offers were sent in by crazies.

Although volunteers were not required to discuss their
motivation in the initial letter, almost all did so on their
own initiative. The letters show that often what leads
people to want to participate in vaccine tests offering no
obvious immediate benefit is their closeness to an AIDS
sufferer—the simple desire to be helpful in the face of
suffering which has hit someone close and which one
cannot forget.

Others volunteered for these experiments from a dif-
ferent perspective: These are blood donors, people who
are prepared to donate their bone marrow and various
organs after death, who out of the same sense of altruism
believe they have a duty to participate in the struggle
against AIDS. Finally, there is a third, less numerous
category of volunteers: parents of children and adoles-
cents who are worried about the threat AIDS poses to
their progeny. They said they were ready to participate in

SJPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

such an experiment so their children would not have to
live in a world traumatized by the HIV virus.

Now begins the selection process. A letter will be sent to
them proposing medical examinations and psychological
interviews. The testing pool will not be finalized until
this phase is complete. “The culling of volunteers is an
extremely delicate phase of the research,” explains Pro-
fessor Jean-Paul Levy, director of ANRS. “These volun-
teers must be considered partners in a humanitarian and
scientific adventure, not simply test subjects in a
research project from which they will derive no indi-
vidual benefit, especially in financial terms. To explain
the implications of such an experiment, its limits and its
constraints, is thus an essential part of the selection
process.”

Tle-de-France Region Hardest Hit by AIDS
92P20173A Paris LE FIGARO in French 1 Mar 92 p 9

[Unattributed article: “AIDS in France as of 31
December 91”}

[Text] According to the latest figures of the weekly
“Epidemiological Bulletin” (as of 31 December 1991),
17,454 cases of AIDS, of which 382 were children, have
been recorded since the beginning of the epidemic in
France. However, adjustment of the data allowing for
delays in notification makes it possible to estimate the
actual number of total cases at 19,815.

Hypothesizing that 10 to 20 percent of cases go unre-
ported, France can assume 22,000 to 24,000 diagnosed
cases in all, with men, on the whole, affected five times
more frequently than women.

These data reveal, for the first time, a certain decrease in
the number of cases diagnosed in 1991—
3,035—compared to the preceding year—3,857—for a
figure close to that of 1988. Individuals 30-39 years old,
homosexual or bisexual, are the ones most affected by
this disease. However, the proportion of drug addicts
and heterosexuals is increasing. The Ile-de-France region
still remains the hardest hit with 8,927 reported cases,
ahead of the Provence-Cote d’Azur zone which is second
on this dismal list with a total of 2,452 cases since the
start of the epidemic.

GERMANY

AIDS Self-Help Organization Meeting Detailed

92WE0368A Dresden SAECHSISCHE ZEITUNG
in German 16 Mar 92 p 2

[Unattributed DPA report: “German AIDS Self-Help
Organization: ’The Wall Functioned as Condom of the
GDR—Conference Calls for Stronger Methods of Pre-
vention”]

[Text] Hans-Peter Hauschild, chair of the German AIDS
support organization, said at a membership conference



JPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992 4 AIDS

MOROCCO

AIDS Cases Feared Higher Than Reported /Rabat L’OPINION, 10 Feb 92]
Ministry Gives Costs of Treating AIDS Patients /Rabat MAP, 7 Apr 92] ..

CENTRAL EURASIA

AIDS Incidence in Ukraine /L. Mykytyuk; Kiev MOLOD UKRAYINY, I Dec 90]
Student Clinic Head on AIDS [Kiev MOLOD UKRAYINY, I Dec 90]
Immunodiagnosis of HIV Infection in the Transfusion Service

[T. V. Golosova, A. N. Margolina, et al; Moscow GEMATOLOGIYA I TRANSFUZIOLOGIYA, Vol 36

No 5, May 91] ..... 24
Clinical Manifestations of HIV Infection in Children
[E. N. Simovanyan, V. N. Chernyshov; Moscow SOVETSKAYA MEDITSINA, Sep 91] .... 26

Ukrainian Health Minister on AIDS Control Measures

[¥u. Spizhenko; Kiev PRAVDA UKRAINY, 28 Nov 91]
Computer Forecast of AIDS Incidence /{N. Danilov; Moscow SOVETSKAYA ROSSIYA, 19 Dec 91]
Ministers Approve AIDS Countermeasures [Viola Kirtoka; Kiev URYADOVYY KURYER, Mar 92]
AIDS Training Symposium Commences Moscow 4 Apr

[Genine Babakian; Moscow ITAR-TASS, 31 Mar 92] ..... 31
WEST EUROPE
CYPRUS
AIDS Figures Show 62 Cypriot, 47 Foreign Patients, Carriers [Nicosia O AGON, 3 Apr 92] ws... 32
FINLAND

Physicians’ Group Urges Mandatory HIV Testing
[Helsinki HELSINGIN SANOMAT, 29 Jan 92] ..
Minister Rejects Compulsory HIV Treatment ...
Physicians Group Urged /Mardy Strom; Helsinki HUFVUDSTADSBLADET, 30 Jan
Kuuskoski Defends Policies {Helsinki HUFVUDSTADSBLADET, 14 Feb 92] .....
Health Agency Issues AIDS Forecast for Helsinki
[Helsinki HUFVUDSTADSBLADET, 3 Feb 92] .... a
Paper Urges Tougher Laws To Combat AIDS [Helsinki HUFVUDSTADSBLADET, 23 Feb 92] ... 35

FRANCE

Volunteers Respond for AIDS Vaccine Testing [Martine Perez; Paris LE FIGARO, 27 Feb 92]
Ile-de-France Region Hardest Hit by AIDS [Paris LE FIGARO, 1 Mar 92]

GERMANY

AIDS Self-Help Organization Meeting Detailed

[Dresden SAECHSISCHE ZEITUNG, 16 Mar 91] .... 36
Saxon Self-Help Group Plans AIDS Prevention
[Moritz Jaehnig; LEIPZIGER VOLKSZEITUNG, 19 Mar 92] ... 37
GREECE
Health Minister Notes AIDS Cases Jan-Mar 92
[Athens Elliniki Radhiofonia Radio Network, 14 Apr 92] ..... . 37

IRELAND

AIDS Baby Born to Heterosexual Mother
[Clodagh Sheehy; Dublin IRISH INDEPENDENT, 18 Feb 92} ...



IJPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

I will begin with the global picture, which clearly shows
that at the current rate of growth the disease will affect
virtually every house and family. After all, as of today
human immunodeficiency virus has infected millions of
women, men, and children in 162 countries of the world.
AIDS has affected 360,000 people; the mortality rate is
very high. By the end of the century there will have been
20 million casualties. If we take into account that a single
infected person may potentially infect a thousand
people, all continents are at risk.

In the Ukraine 254 people have been identified as having
AIDS, including 173 foreigners and 81 nationals. Seven
patients have been found. Six of them have died,
including two children. It would seem that in compar-
ison with other countries, where the infection rate is
higher, the thunder has not yet roared, but this is an
illusion. Taking into account the low quality of Soviet
diagnostic test systems, many cases have simply not yet
been identified. On the other hand, the infection rate is
steadily rising here. This year, for the first time more
virus carriers have been found among Ukrainian citizens
than among arriving foreigners. The ratio is 19 to 11. It
is an ominous sign. At the same time, a computer
prognosis indicates that by the end of the 1990’s nearly
500,000 people will be infected with AIDS in the
Ukraine, and tens of thousands of children and adults
will clearly contract the disease. We will have to cope
with one-fourth of the global Soviet tragedy! If we take
into account the fact that the USA is planning to spend
trillions of dollars during this time on AIDS control,
which exceeds today’s gigantic investments greatly, our
national budget simply will not bear this battle.

Thus, in order to save the people, the alarm bell should
already be ringing. Fortunately, certain steps have been
taken in a decisive turn. In October, the Ukrainian
Supreme Soviet approved an AIDS control law upon
first reading. This is significant progress of the situation
in comparison with the statute currently in effect. The
Ukrainian code of this type stimulates a more compre-
hensive protection of victims and at the same time
clearly formulates legal responsibility for infection. I am
convinced that we are obligated to approach high risk
groups in accordance with world standards, rather than
Soviet criteria. For example, homosexual relations and
prostitution here are a reality. But if further voluntary
acknowledgement of association with these categories
(especially unfavorable with respect to AIDS) is coupled
here with certain legal and administrative consequences,
many, many carriers of the infection will not seek
medical attention in order to avoid Femida [as pub-
lished]. The web of disaster will continue to spread...

In emphasizing these and other positions in a report to a
session of the Ukrainian Supreme Soviet that legislators
must take into account in a humane and efficient gov-
ernment, I was attempting to get the people’s deputies to
share the concerns of medicine. And in reality, the train
for saving the nation had already begun to move. How-
ever, we now need for a national program of AIDS
control to join the movement, or in other words, become

CENTRAL EURASIA 29

a reality. It has been prepared by the Ukrainian Ministry
of Public Health together with the Moscow Military
District Ministry of Justice and other departments and is
now at the final stage of approval in the Ukrainian
Cabinet of Ministers. I feel that I am bound here to
present the appropriations necessary for implementing
this program: a billion rubles and 150,000 dollars. No
matter how hard our situation is, we need to find these
resources.

You ask: aren’t these requests high, especially on the part
of the hard currency? No, we have accurate calculations
before us. For example, the Ukrainian Ministry of Public
Health has been able to open 100 laboratories in a short
time where AIDS diagnosis is performed. However, the
republic needs 600 such laboratory centers, and as they
say, not tomorrow, but yesterday. In addition, only test
systems from foreign firms well-known in the world
market accurately detect AIDS. It stands to reason that
we are negotiating for the construction of joint ventures;
however, this is a perspective of the future. Time does
not wait...

We have a scientific center for AIDS control at the
Epidemiology and Infectious Disease Scientific
Research Institute imeni L. V. Gromashevskiy. But in
general it does not meet world standards. In addition,
one capital center of such a profile is not sufficient fora
large, independent, heavily populated state. Such out-
posts and specialized clinics are acutely needed in other
regions. After all, AIDS has been found in 17 oblasts of
the Ukraine. Odessa and Kiev are in first place.

But we are not placing our trust only in an uncle from the
sea. I will not talk about purely scientific research. They
are successful, although announcing any advances is still
premature. Here are some purely practical directions.
One of them is disposable tools. Although they come
from abroad, including the equipment given by a Ukrai-
nian diaspora and other philanthropists, the numbers are
clearly inadequate. And even if we finally begin our own
wide scale production of disposable syringes (we are
currently experiencing difficulties with the respective
plastics), it will not be a panacea. Many instruments and
tools throughout the world are used repeatedly. This
means that they need to be reliably treated and sterilized.
For this we need, for example, ultrasound washing
machines. The production association “Arsenal” is
ready to produce them on a large scale. But they need
financial and raw material support.

Or take the modern sterilizers. This past year the
Zaporozh Electrical Apparatus Factory manufactured
1,000 units. This required significant efforts in re-
equipping the factory, new equipment, etc. The enthu-
siasm of the factory workers deserves tremendous grati-
tude, but after all, only 1/20th of the need was met.

And then there is also the puzzle. In all countries the
decoding of these test systems is performed by instru-
ments. Here the laboratory workers need to write down
millions of numbers to assay 96 samples. Here the



IJPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

YUGOSLAVIA

Commission Preparing AIDS Measures Before
UN Troops Arrive

LD1904150292 Belgrade TANJUG in English

1543 GMT 18 Apr 92

[Text] Belgrade, April 18 (TANJUG)—The Yugoslav
commission for protection against AIDS announced on

EAST EUROPE 15

Saturday that it would establish cooperation with the
health service of the United Nations peace-keeping force
for Yugoslavia (UNPROFOR) for joint preventive mea-
sures. As explained at the session, the reason for this is
the arrival of around 14,000 Blue Helmets.

Experts have announced that the Yugoslav AIDS pre-
vention program will be adjusted to the new stands of the
World Health Organization.



JPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

102,805,000 DH according to most pessimistic esti-
mates. If all expenses are taken into account since the
outbreak of the epidemic in 1986 until year 2001, a total
of 131.225 million DH were spent and taking into
account other related expenses (blood transfusion sys-
tematic detection, communication, awareness and infor-
mation actions, an amount of 5.150 million DH is to be
spent in 1992, the overall yearly minimum will stand at
some 10.15 million DH.

NEAR EAST & SOUTH ASIA a

Akaly renewed that the use of condoms which remains
the sole efficient prevention means should be further
popularized for it’s more economical to prevent than to
treat AIDS victims. On the communication policy fol-
lowed by the health department to avoid the spreading of
AIDS, he said it consists of conducting studies on
Moroccan sexual life of high risk populations (youth,
prostitutes ...) and direct action through conferences and
press meetings with high-risk people.



SPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

This brings the total number of persons stricken by this
disease to 1,709 on the national level.

Nunez reported that the cases originate in Health Region
No. 3, including San Pedro Sula, Puerto Cortes, and
other towns; as well as in Health Region No. 5, covering
the western part of the country.

Nunez claimed that this number of cases involving AIDS
patients is the one being received on a regular basis.

LATIN AMERICA 17

The official noted that there are 50 cases of individuals
carrying the virus who have not yet developed the
disease, or who are classified in the category of AIDS-
associated complex.

Nunez indicated that he could not provide exact data on
the cases, because the information is still being pro-
cessed. However, he claimed that, from what he recalled
about the report, there are nursing infants among those
stricken with this disease.



30 CENTRAL EURASIA

Kharkov Scientific Production Association “Electropri-
bor” can help. It has mastered the production of electro-
photometers, but under conditions in which it also needs
help. I am not going to present a technical discourse, but
I want to again emphasize that without serious financing,
no progress will be made. It is expensive. For example, in
order to identify one type of the AIDS virus, up to a
million dollars is spent abroad...

And then there is one more problem. We know that one
of the means of protection from the terrible infection is
the condom. But 50-60 percent of the youth do not use
these products. It seems that it is because they are
embarrassed to go to the drugstore. This means that we
need vending machines for selling condoms, as is done in
other countries. The Ukraine needs at least 6,000 such
vending machines. Then the propaganda will be effec-
tive.

‘We must not forget to take into account the following: we
have developed a network of trust offices where screen-
ings are performed anonymously. But they are not well-
attended, since people are afraid of publicity. I will note
that the physician’s trust for not publicizing the diag-
nosis in accordance with current legislation must and
will be observed very strictly.

..In thinking about the heading for this article, I looked
for works that would interest the reader in reading the
material. Are there any exaggerations in the threat I have
described? Look the truth in the eyes. If we are going to
be limited in the future by half measures, AIDS will
surpass in its scales the terrible starvation of 1933. My
physician’s duty and conscience obligates me to speak of
this objectively and frankly.

Computer Forecast of AIDS Incidence

92WE0236A Moscow SOVETSKAYA ROSSIYA
in Russian 19 Dec 91 p 5

[Article by N. Danilov: “Problems of Disarmament
and... AIDS. Fighting the ‘plague of the twentieth cen-
tury’ requires colossal resources. Where can we get
them?”]

[Excerpts] Possible scenarios for the spread of this infec-
tion are offered by long-term forecasts developed by
physicians. Soviet specialists, especially those at the
Laboratory of Epidemiological Cybernetics, Epidemi-
ology and Microbiology Scientific Research Institute
imeni N. F. Gamaleya, USSR Academy of Sciences,
have become the undoubted leader in the development
of computer models for the epidemic and calculations of
long-term forecasts based on them.

The experimental model “SIGMA-4” calculates the epi-
demiological forecast for the USA up to the year 2020.
Several versions of the epidemic have been “played
through”. According to one of them, the number of virus
carriers will peak between 1993-1996, when there may
be up to 2.5 million virus carriers. After 1997, the
morbidity rate will decline; however, in this case it is

SJPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

probable that the AIDS virus will reach beyond the risk
groups and as a result there will appear a considerable
number (up to 16 million) of virus carriers. If this
happens, the peak of processes of infecting the populace
with the AIDS virus will shift to the year 2008, and the
number of virus carriers may reach 50 million. By 2015,
more than six million Americans will have moved from
the stage of carrying to virus to the stage of clinical
disease.

No less alarming are the results of calculations using the
“SIGMA-5” model for the USSR. According to the first
scenario, there may be up to 2.5 million virus carriers in
the USSR. From 1990 to 2030, approximately one
million people will have died from the AIDS epidemic. A
scenario of an “unlimited” epidemic provided the fol-
lowing parameters: the peak of the processes of infection
will occur in the USSR in 2024 and will comprise
approximately 55 million infected individuals. The peak
in the morbidity rate may come in 2028. Processes of the
spread of the virus among hospital and clinic patients
present the greatest hazard for our country. If this
channel is not stopped, we will not be able to control the
epidemic.

Mathematical models make it possible to calculate not
only the morbidity rate forecast, but also the economic
damage from the epidemic, as well as the necessary
resources for anti-epidemic measures. The USA, for
example, will be forced to spend approximately 300
billion dollars on the fight against AIDS by 1996, and up
to a trillion dollars by the year 2000.

Only the process of disarmament and the conversion of
military factories will make it possible to rapidly
increase the financing for anti-epidemic measures. The
USA and USSR do not currently have any other sources
for additional funds. Thus, the financing of measures for
checking the course of AIDS may become the alternative
to the arms race; however, this idea should receive
support first from the legislative circles.

Ministers Approve AIDS Countermeasures

AU3003121592 Kiev URYADOVYY KURYER
in Ukrainian No. 12 (58), Mar 92 p 11

{Article by Viola Kirtoka: “AIDS—the Threat of the
Century”)

[Excerpt] The Cabinet of Ministers has approved by
resolution the national AIDS prevention program for
1992-94. This program was formulated by the Health
Protection Ministry with the participation of the Justice,
Economy and Internal Affairs Ministries, the Procura-
tor’s Office, and the Academy of Sciences. Its objective is
to unify efforts against AIDS, as its unbridled spread has
become worldwide. The program envisages organiza-
tional and prevention measures (including medical assis-
tance to AIDS sufferers in clinics and pharmacies, main-
tenance of proper sanitary and epidemiological
conditions, distribution of preventative measures, and
establishment of laboratories for AIDS diagnosis). A



12 EAST ASIA

there will be a program to get all men who engage in sex
with prostitutes to use condoms. Last ‘year, only 65
percent did so,” said Dr. Suphachai. He added that the
province has changed the AIDS examination system.
That is, there are now clinics where people can be
checked without revealing their identity. Because in the
past, those who were checked openly and later found to
have the disease were often rejected by their families and
neighbors.

Minister Michai Discusses AIDS, Blood Supply

92WE0284B Bangkok DAILY NEWS in Thai
31 Jan 92 p3

[Excerpt] Mr. Michai Wirawaithaya, the minister
attached to the Office of the Prime Minister, gave a talk
of “AIDS Around the University” at the auditorium of
Kasetsat University at the 30th technical conference on
30 January. He said that the number of Thais with AIDS
in 1991 would fill four Sanam Luangs. Today, AIDS is
being spread mostly by prostitutes. The highest inci-
dence is in Chiang Rai Province. In 1987, there were no
reported cases there. But by 1990, 64 percent [of the
prostitutes] had the virus. As for the statistics for the
various grades of prostitutes, among those who charge
30-50 baht, the AIDS rate is 72 percent. Among those
who charge 51-100 baht, the rate is 30 percent, and
among those who charge more than 100 baht, the rate is
16 percent. Seventy-five percent of the men who visit
prostitutes have intercourse with those who charge 30-50
baht, and 83 percent of these people have subsequently
been found to have the AIDS virus.

Mr. Michai said that statistics show that 40 percent of
the military recruits use a condom when having inter-
course, 54 percent had their first sexual experience
between the ages of 13 and 16, 73 percent had their first
sexual experience with a prostitute, and 97 percent had
had sexual intercourse with a prostitute. In the northern
region, seven percent of the military recruits have the
AIDS virus. In particular, in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
Provinces, the rate of infection is 14 percent. As for the
AIDS infection rate in the northern region, it has been
found that 50 to 75 percent of the intravenous drug
users, 45 to 55 percent of the prostitutes, 20 to 25
percent of the homosexuals, five to eight percent of the
blood donors, and three to five percent of the pregnant
women have the AIDS virus.

However, 50 people from various government units
recently donated blood. After examining their blood, the
AIDS virus was found in 10 of the samples, which means
that 20 percent of these people have the AIDS virus.
[passage omitted]

AIDS Drug High Cost; Latest Statistics
92P30078 Bangkok NAEO NA in Thai 10 Feb 92 p 2
[Excerpt] Dr. Surin Phinitphong, the director general of

the Communicable Disease Department of the Ministry
of Public Health reported that in Fiscal year 1993, the

SJPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

Ministry has been allocated 36 million baht to purchase
AZT to be used in the treatment of AIDS and ARC
victims. The objective is to be able to treat 350 patients
this year. The drug is now being purchased for distribu-
tion to hospitals treating AIDS patients.

According to Dr. Surin, the guidelines for providing this
drug to patients free of charge is that they be low-income
people or have unwittingly contracted AIDS, i.e. been
accident victims or have contracted the disease through
a person who committed a crime such as rape. It would
also apply to children infected through a mother who got
it from her husband. :

Dr. Surin said that AZT is very expensive: 50 baht per
pill. Since a patient must take 12 pills daily, that comes
to 600 baht per patient.

At this time, Thailand has 198 full-blown AIDS cases,
539 ARC cases, and 343,822 patients who are symptom-
free. [Passage omitted]

Burma Giving AIDS Victims Cyanide Shots

BK0204012092 Bangkok THE NATION in English
2 Apr 92 p A2

[Text] Reports that Burmese girls infected with AIDS
were being injected with cyanide to stop the spread of the
virus in Burma has prompted Thai police to stop
deporting any girls caught working as prostitutes in
brothels in Thailand.

Crime Suppression Division [CSD] Deputy Commander
Pol Bancha Charucharit said the decision not to deport
any more Burmese women was made after he learned of
the fate of 25 of them recently sent back to Burma.

Bancha said the CSD last June rescued 25 Burmese
women, aged 18 to 35, from a brothel in Ranong
province after a complaint was lodged by a Thai Bur-
mese, Anong Dumklang.

Anong said two of his Burmese cousins, identified only
as Nunu and Mama, went missing when they crossed the
border into Thailand to buy some items. He said after
seeking help from Thai police they were found among 25
women rescued from the Ranong brothel.

Bancha, who leads an anti-prostitution centre under the
Police Department, said all the women were found to be
infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

After all the HIV-infected women were deported to
Burma, he learned that they were missing from their
villages. Later, he was told that they had been injected
with cyanide to prevent them from spreading the virus.

But he could not say who gave them the injections and
did not know whether the girls had died.

Because of this indicent, Bancha said no other Burmese
girls released from brothels would be deported.



4 SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

She believed few companies had adequately assessed the
impact of AIDS on their businesses.

“One can’t help getting the impression these assessments
of the differential impact on the economy and the
(survey) respondent’s businesses was based not nearly so
much on logic as on the familiar problem of denial—that
feeling of ‘it won’t happen to me,’ or ‘if I ignore it, the
problem will go away.”

On behalf of the Natal Business AIDS Forum, which
conducted the survey, Mrs. Wiltshire appealed to
researchers and to government authorities to make avail-
able information on the spread of the disease.

Without information, firms were unlikely to take the
disease seriously enough to start assessing its potential
impact.

New Compound Allegedly Destroys AIDS Virus
92WE0371A Johannesburg ENGINEERING NEWS
in English 28 Feb 92 p 4

[Text] Johannesburg research chemist Toni Martin has
developed a new compound that she says cleans while
destroying bacteria, fungi and viruses (including AIDS).

Protect U simultaneously performs all four of these
functions, Martin says.

The compound, in liquid or gel, has been tested by the
SABS [South African Bureau of Standards], Onderste-
poort, and Roodeplaat Laboratories with favourable
results.

Because of its unique nature, the SABS has had to devise
a new product category.

Outside the body it reportedly destroys AIDS, hepatitis-
B, salmonella, staphylococcus, Legionnaires’ disease,
and all common South African bacteria, viruses and
fungi.

“The product is totally user-friendly and biodegradable.
It dissolves in water, doesn’t stain, and has a proven
shelf-life of 12 months,” Martin says.

“] looked around for a product with all these features—
and couldn’t find one. So I developed my own,” Martin
says, “because I believe that some diseases are being
spread in far more ways, and far more rapidly than most
people are aware.”

She says that her research was soundly based on infor-
mation contained in the British pharmaceutical journal
MARTINDALE.

SJPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

Report Cites Venda AIDS Figures

MB1903090492 Johannesburg SAPA in English
2132 GMT 18 Mar 92

[Text] Pietersburg Mar 18 SAPA—The number of AIDS
carriers in Venda had increased, the homeland’s Depart-
ment of Health said on Wednesday.

In a population which did not exceed a million, there
were already 31 positively diagnosed HIV carriers. This
number could be higher as undiagnosed carriers might
not have been identified.

In November 1991 there were 23 known carriers.
Only two AIDS-related deaths had been reported.

The Venda Department of Health said there had been no
reports of infants being HIV-positive at birth.

Kruger Park Lions With Feline AIDS Confirmed

92WE0378A Johannesburg THE STAR in English
5 Mar 92 p3

[Text] A South African expert has confirmed that the
feline version of AIDS—feline immunodeficiency virus
(FIV)—has hit the lion population in the Kruger
National Park, but says there is no cause for alarm.

Professor D. G. A. Meltzer, who holds the Price Forbes
chair in wildlife diseases at Onderstepoort, said about 60
samples had been taken a year ago by British veterinar-
ians, and some even before then.

“Of course 60, some 90 percent tested positive,” he said.

“It would appear the lions have built up an immunity to
the virus, as the population has not decreased at all.”

Kruger Park veterinarian Dr. Cobus Raath confirmed
yesterday that 64 percent of lions tested in the reserve for
feline “AIDS” were positive.

Dr. Raath said FIV was not uncommon among cats—14
percent of domestic cats tested in South Africa were
positive.

The disease is apparently transmitted by bites and

scratches but there is no danger of its being passed to
humans.

Kruger Park chief warden Dr. Salmon Joubert said FIV
had in no way affected lions in the reserve.

“They show no symptoms, they are in top condition and
none are dying as a result of the disease,” he said.

No signs of the virus have been found in cheetah and
leopard tested in the Kruger Park.

Ann van Dyk of the De Wildt cheetah breeding centre
said the centre had been tested and found to be free of
FIV.



JPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

(21.2 percent) were from 3 to 7 years old, and 7 (13.2
percent) were over 7 years old.

Analysis of premorbid state revealed that most children
exhibited signs of perinatal posthypoxic encephalopathy
(48.5 percent in group 1, 50 percent in group 2), frequent
ear, nose and throat viral infections (33.3 and 27.7
percent respectively), diseases of the perinatal period
(15.1 and 22.2 percent), and congenital developmental
defects (6 and 5.5 percent). Mention should be made of
the absence of a clear dependence of the features of
premorbid state in children on development of the stage
of HIV infection.

Retrospective analysis of clinical manifestations of dis-
ease showed that the incubation period of HIV infection
was 31.3 +/- 8.9 days on the average. The shortest
incubation period was in group 2—15.2 +/- 2.8 days.

Symptoms recorded in the stage of primary manifesta-
tions, IIA, included fever (in 100 percent of children),
catarrhal signs (56.2 percent), intestinal dysfunction
(21.8 percent) and a mononucleosis-like syndrome (16
percent). In group 2 the period of acute fever proceeded
significantly more seriously and was characterized by
development of poly-etiological sepsis (in 22 percent)
and afflictions of the nervous system (22 percent) and

CENTRAL EURASIA 27

the kidneys and liver (11 percent). The duration of stage
IIA was 28.3 +/- 3.3 days in group 1 and 47.8 +/- 47.8
days in group 2.

Stage IIA could not be revealed on the basis of medical
documents in a third of the patients.

The latent period of stage IIB was diagnosed in one child.

Systemic enlargement of lymph nodes from 0.5 to 2—
2.5—3 cm in diameter was noted in the stage of gener-
alized lymphadenopathy, IIC; the largest dimensions
were attained by axillary, cervical and inguinal nodes.
Palpation revealed that the lymph nodes were painless,
they were free of surrounding tissues, and they were of a
dense elastic consistency (see Table); in this case
dynamic observation of HIV infected children for 6- 12
months did not reveal reverse development of the lymph
nodes. Enlargement of the liver by 2.0 +/- 0.5 cm was
detected in 56.3 percent of children in state IIC, enlarge-
ment of the spleen and dermal changes taking the form
of dermatitis, spotty papular rash and catarrhal, quickly
proceeding stomatitis were noted in 9.3 percent, weight
loss within 10 percent was noted in 6.2 percent, and a
short-term subfebrile temperature was noted in 3.1 per-
cent. One child’s tooth enamel was afflicted. Repeat
respiratory-viral infections during the period of dispen-
sary treatment were noted in 34.4 percent of the chil-
dren, and acute intestinal infections were noted in 25
percent. These infections terminated in recovery.

Clinical Manifestations of HIV Infection in Children

Symptom Stage
TIC 1A 1B IC

‘Abs % ‘Abs % ‘Abs % Abs %
Enlargement of the liver 18 36.3 im 100 3 100 5 100
Enlargement of the spleen 3 93 8 72.7 3 100 5 100
Enlargement of lymph nodes 32 100 in 100 3 100 5 100
Up to 10% weight loss 2 62 - - : - : -
Over 10% weight loss - : 6 54.5 3 100 5 100
Catarrhal stomatitis 3 9.3 - - : - . -
Aphthous stomatitis : - 9 818 3 100 5 100
Dermal changes 3 9.3 6 54.5 2 66.6 4 80
Affliction of tooth enamel 1 3.1 3 27.2 - : 3 60
Short-term subfebrile tempera- 1 31 - : : : :
ture
Prolonged increase in tempera- - - 6 54.5 3 100 4 80
ture
Affliction of the nervous system - : 2 18.1 2 66.6 4 80
Protracted pneumonia : - > > > 7 3 60
Affliction of the kidneys - - 2 18.1 ~ : : -

In the stage of secondary diseases, IIIB, persistent can-
didiasis of the skin and mucous membranes, prolonged
subfebrile temperature alternating periodically with
fever, and more than 10 percent weight loss were noted
on the background of generalized lymphadenopathy and

significant enlargement of the liver (to 4.0 +/- 0.8cm) and
the spleen (to 2.0 +/- 0.6 cm). HIV encephalopathy
characterized by retardation in mental development,
paraparesis of the lower limbs and affliction of cranial
nerves were diagnosed in two patients.



4 CENTRAL EURASIA

Question: Have any foreign students refused medical
examinations?

Answer: All new foreign students are required to be
tested for AIDS, whether they had been tested at home or
not. In case of refusal they are deported.

Question: OK. That takes care of the new arrivals. How
about those returning from vacations at home?

Answer: We can provide no guarantees about foreign
students who have been studying here for several years.

Question: Can medical instruments transmit AIDS?

Answer: Theoretically, yes. But we are doing everything
possible to preclude this. Beginning with 1989-1990 we
have relied exclusively on disposable syringes for injec-
tions. The situation is more difficult with other instru-
ments and equipment, but we guarantee disinfection and
sterilization.

Question: Well, at least you have enough disposable
syringes!

Answer: Not really. Frankly, there are not enough dis-
posable syringes in Kiev. Consequently, the Kiev Health
Department has given priority to students and pediatric
and obstetrical clinics.

Question: Are students a high risk category?

Answer: No more than children and pregnant women;
it’s just that they have been assigned to the same priority
category.

Question: Are the testing techniques you employ com-
pletely accurate?

Answer: No. The acuracy of our techniques are no better
than 70 percent at best, and we have complained about
this to the Ukrainian Ministry of Health.

Question: In other words, the others feel safe although ...

Answer: Unfortunately, yes. A negative result does not
guarantee health and we don’t have our own laboratory.
All blood samples are given to the Municipal Sanitary
Epidemiologic Station for testing. And God knows what
goes on there. There are only enough foreign test kits for
confirmatory testing. I am a member of the Kiev AIDS
Commission. On November 2 we requested special
funds from the city council to alleviate this situaiton, but
without success.

Question: How do you think these problems can be
overcome? By legislative, financial...

Answer: We need a sound financial program to prevent
intrusion of AIDS into Kiev, Ukraine and the USSR,
which has to have a legislative backbone. AIDS legisla-
tion should be considerd by the Ukrainian Supreme
Soviet by January 1, 1991. An AIDS program for Kiev
has also been proposed to the city council for their
evaluation, if they feel like it. But I fear that our soviets

JPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

won’t get to considering AIDS legislation even in 1991.
And yet, 1992 promises to be a real disaster for the
USSR in terms of AIDS. We will wind up spending
millions—both in Soviet and real currency—for treat-
ment because of indecision and indifference.

Question: How many cases are expected in 92-93?

Answer: 92 will not be a peak year, just a geometrical
progression in the number of cases.

Question: And what will be done about it?

Answer: If the proper programs are implemented there is
some hope for optimism.

Question: The government is one thing, but how do
physcians think?

Answer: Physicians will rest easy once a vaccine is
available. The next question is: Will the people accept
vaccination since the news media has created the impres-
sion that vaccines can be dangerous.

Question: How much would ti cost to have a modern
AIDS laboratory?

Answer: In Kiev, about 100,000 rubles in start-up costs
and an annual budget of ten to 12,000 per year for
reagents. So far the city executive committee hasn’t even
scraped up 30,000 rubles, although what we are talking
about is something far more essential than soap and
pantyhose for which funds are available.

In the meantime the politicians are concentrating on
political squabbles and seem to be unaware that in
another decade there will be nobody left to starve. AIDS
is the new Chernobyl!

Immunodiagnosis of HIV Infection in the
Transfusion Service

92WE0319 Moscow GAMATOLOGIYA I
TRANSFUZIOLOGIYA in Russian Vol 36 No 5,
May 91

[Article by T. V. Golosova, A. N. Margolina, T. A.
Tupoleva, A. A. Gulyayeva, All-Union Hematological
Science Center, USSR Ministry of Health]

[Text] Among the many problems associated with AIDS,
one of the most critical is the prevention of HIV infec-
tion in blood transfusions. Despite all the efforts to fight
the disease, the number of infected individuals is
growing from year to year.

For example, in the United States, AIDS patients num-
bered some 215,000 at the beginning of 1990; by the year
2000, that figure is expected to reach 850,000. In the
USSR, there are 28 recorded AIDS cases, but that figure
is expected to rise to 30,000 by the year 2000, with the
number of HIV-infected individuals reaching 1-1.5 mil-
lion. As of March 1990, of the 50 million individuals
screened, 943 were identified as HIV-infected, and 457
of them were Soviet citizens (210 of the 457 were
children infected in hospitals in Elista, Rostov, Vol-
gograd, and other cities). AIDS developed in 17 of the
children, and 11 of them have died. Those data point to



SJPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

ANGOLA

AIDS Crisis Exacerbates Refugee Repatriation

92AF0473Z Johannesburg SOWETAN in English
6 Feb 92 p 11

[Excerpts] Windhoek—Seemingly insurmountable prob-
lems face the Angolan government trying to control the
repatriation of more than one and a half million of its
nationals in Zaire.

The increasing instability in Zaire has created new
pressures, among them a possible large-scale importation
of the HIV virus into Angola.

Mr. Joao Miranda, Deputy Minister of International
Relations for the Community, a post created specifically
to address the problem of an estimated three million
Angolans outside the country, acknowledges that the
turmoil in Zaire has “aggravated” the repatriation of
Angolans from Zaire, about 300,000 of them refugees
living in camps.

“The (Angolan) government has discussed repatriation
from Zaire and agreed that Angola did not have the
conditions to receive such high numbers. This was
because the country is not yet free of mines and and
because we do not have state administration in all
areas.” [Passage omitted]

Repatriation

“We agreed that the repatriation should start in March,
taking into account measures to fight AIDS. But the
situation has been worsened by problems in Zaire and we
have no concrete solution yet. It has become a humani-
tarian problem and now we have Zairean refugees
coming to Angola too.”

He says posts will be established in two provinces “to try
and test people; a form of detecting AIDS carriers and
trying to establish ways of preventing the spread.”

“But there is a problem because the population is coming
in numbers even now and during the rainy season. We
have to fight AIDS inside Angola and we can’t refuse our
nationals, The situation is very preoccupying.”

He acknowledges that the government does not have
enough money to establish an effective testing infrastruc-
ture and is trying to mobilise the international commu-
nity.

“All peace-loving people should contribute to fight the
problem of AIDS in Southern Africa,” he says. It is a
thinly disguised way of saying “we have to help each
other.”

Sixteen years of civil war in Angola which ended in May
last year has meant that there is little reliable data on the
spread of the HIV virus in that country. However, the
war itself might have contributed to containing the
problem in a country where the usual mobility of people
has not been possible.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA 1

There is equally no definitive data on AIDS in Zaire but
it seems to be fairly widely accepted that it is a major
problem.

Apart from dealing with the Zaire headache, Miranda’s
task is to build confidence among Angolans abroad and
to promote their return. [Passage omitted]

CAMEROON

Minister Warns of AIDS Danger

92WE0291A Yaounde CAMEROON TRIBUNE
in French2 Dec 91 p 14

[Interview with the minister of public health, Professor
Joseph Mbede, by Waffo Mongo, place and date not
given: “A Disaster...”]

[Text] Mongo: Mr. Minister, how do you explain the
skepticism of Cameroonians about the reality of AIDS?

Mbede: We are making enormous efforts to show that
AIDS is truly a serious illness that exists in Cameroon as
it does everywhere in the world. What may explain the
apparent skepticism of Cameroonians is that AIDS did
get off to a slightly later start in Cameroon than in other
African countries. You know, AIDS is a complex illness:
You do not fall ill immediately on the day you catch the
AIDS virus. There is a certain amount of time that
varies—and that can sometimes stretch up to five
years—before you fall sick. Consequently, when AIDS is
spreading, the people who are catching the virus are not
sick and it is not visible. But once we begin to see
patients with it, the situation evolves very, very quickly.
And that is what makes AIDS a disaster.

Mongo: Are there really AIDS patients in our hospitals?

Mbede: I would like first of all to tell Cameroonians that
there are AIDS patients. And we can show them those
patients. We currently have an official tally of over 650
AIDS patients. We know there are more. What we want
to make people understand is that we started with 20
patients in 1987 and today we have over 600. And no
one batted an eye when over 300 were reported last year.
This means that in the next few years the figures are
going to swell: Next year we will have over 1,000 AIDS
patients, perhaps 2,000. At this same time, on 1
December 1992, I can assure you that we will have at
least 2,000 officially reported AIDS patients—I am
telling you this now. And we will continue to have more
and more.

Mongo: So the outlook is alarming?

Mbede: It is important to know that the illness exists,
and that of the 1 percent of Cameroonians who are now
infected but not sick, perhaps 50 percent will be ill
within 10 years. That means we expect to have 60,000
patients, or perhaps more, within 10 years. Well, 60,000
AIDS patients is more than Cameroon’s entire hospital
system can handle. It is a serious problem; the disaster is



JPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992 5 AIDS

PORTUGAL
AIDS Statistics Since 1983 /Lisbon, PUBLICO, 13 Feb 92] .....
UNITED KINGDOM

Government Reports 94 New AIDS Cases in Feb {London PRESS ASSOCIATION, 23 Mar 92] .. 38
Health Service Gives New Statistics on AIDS {London THE DAILY TELEGRAPH, 24 Mar 92] . 39

INTERNATIONAL

Worldwide AIDS Incidence Increasing * [Moscow SOVETSKAYA ROSSIYA, 11 Jan 92]
WHO Reports Worldwide AIDS Cases [Paris AFP, 1 Apr 92]



IJPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

The anti-prostitution centre had recently rescued 147
girls from three brothels in Bangkok and found that 76
had AIDS. The rest had other sexually transmitted
diseases.

The fate of the Burmese girls drew the attention of a
reporter from a British newspaper, the DAILY TELE-
GRAPH. Bancha said the reporter had visited him to get
more information on the incident.

The reporter told him that he had heard about the
incident from a speaker at a seminar in Thailand, but
further details were not available.

VIETNAM

Fifty-Seven People Test HIV Positive in 1991

BK1504075792 Hanoi VNA in English 0631 GMT
15 Apr 92

[Text] Hanoi VNA April 15—In 1991, among the 97,812
blood samples taken of high-risk groups in Vietnam, 57
were proved to be HIV seropositive.

EAST ASIA 13

Of these 57 cases, one was Vietnamese, 53 were Thai
fishermen, two were an American and an Australian of
Vietnamese origin, and one Taiwanese.

According to the national anti-AIDS committee of
Vietnam, many Vietnamese may have been infected
with HIV, but due to the lack of medical equipment,
blood tests are not made en masse, so the exact number
of HIV-affected people is not yet known.

The Ministry of Public Health has organized a meeting
with concerned branches and institutes to work out an
anti-AIDS plan for 1992.

A course on project 03-AIDS has been held in the
southern province of Hau Giang.

The course funded by the World Health Organization
(WHO) was attended by about 40 medical workers from
the provinces of Hau Giang, Dong Thap, An Giang, Kien
Giang, Cuu Long and Minh Hai.



SIPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

MOZAMBIQUE

Seminar on Family Planning Lists AIDS Cases,
Affected Areas

MB0603200592 Maputo Radio Mozambique Network
in Portuguese 1730 GMT 6 Mar 92

[Excerpt] The National Seminar on Family Planning
being held in Maputo is on its second day. Our corre-
spondent Jaime Mau reports: [Begin Mau recording]

A total of 340 AIDS cases had been detected in Mozam-
bique by December last year, affecting in particular 20-
to 40-year-old citizens of both sexes, but affecting the
male sex slightly more. According to data made public at
the seminar on family planning this morning, the five
most affected provinces are: Maputo city [regarded as a
province] with 90 cases; Manica Province, with 67;
Maputo Province, with 63; Tete Province, with 33; and,
finally, Sofala Province with 29 detected AIDS cases.
[passage omitted] [end recording]

Tyenty-Four AIDS Cases Recorded in Manica in

MB1503211792 Maputo Radio Mozambique Network
in Portuguese 1730 GMT 15 Mar 92

[Text] A report presented during the Health Directorate
Coordinating Council reports that 24 cases of AIDS were
recorded in Manica Province in 1991. Of that figure, 13
are men, and 11 women.

Inhambane Province Records 6 AIDS Cases

MB3103054992 Maputo Radio Mozambique Network
in Portuguese 1900 GMT 30 Mar 92

{Text] Six cases of AIDS have been recorded in Inham-
bane Province. Three of the patients have already died.
Xavier Candido, head of Inhambane Province’s AIDS
Combat Program, said a program of public education on
the importance of the use of condoms and other preven-
tive measures against sexually transmitted diseases is
underway in the province.

NIGERIA

Minister Says 400,000 Nigerians Carry AIDS
Virus

AB2503184492 Paris AFP in English 18309 GMT
24 Mar 92

[Text] Lagos, March 24 (AFP}—About 400,000 Nige-
rians are carriers of the deadly acquired immune defi-
ciency syndrome virus, according to Minister of Health
and Human Services Olikoye Ransome-Kuti.

Addressing an international workshop on control and
prevention of HIV/AIDS infection in Jos, central Pla-
teau, he said about 20 percent of prostitutes in Lagos,

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA 3

Nigeria’s most populous city, and 18 percent in Enugu,
capital of Enugu state, had been infected with the virus
since 1986.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also quoted him as
saying that about 5 percent of pregnant women who
attend ante-natal clinics in one of the states of the
federation—which he did not name—were AIDS car-
Tiers.

Unless concerted efforts were made by all to curb the
spread of the disease, about 80 percent of hospital beds
in the country would be occupied by AIDS patients,
Ransome-Kuti warned. The workshop is jointly orga-
nized by the Global programm on AIDS and the WHO.

SENEGAL

Number of AIDS Cases Increases to 648

[AB1904152092B Paris AFP in French 0949 GMT
9 Apr 92]

[Editorial Report] The number of people who have
caught the AIDS disease in Senegal stood at 648 by the
end of March compared with 552 nine months ago, the
daily LE SOLEIL reported today, quoting Professor
Ndoye, coordinator of the Senegalese Anti-AIDS
National Committee. Prof. Ndoye, however, felt that it
was still possible to bring the epidemiological situation
in Senegal under control by preventing the spread of the
AIDS virus through information, education, and com-
munication.

SOUTH AFRICA

HIV Incidence Affecting Natal Industry

92WE0325A Johannesburg THE STAR in English
17 Feb 92 p6

[Text] Durban—AIDS infection in Natal industry is
probably hundreds times worse than managers believe—
and business leaders have been urged to take step to cope
with a problem that threatens to overwhelm them.

In contrast to a recent survey of manufacturing compa-
nies in the province with total employment of more than
100,000—which disclosed only 14 reported HIV positive
cases and eight employees with full-blown AIDS—the
University of Natal’s virology department estimates a
company with a payroll of 1,100 could have 80 HIV-
infected staff members.

Quoting these figures at a Natal Chamber of Industries
seminar on the impact of AIDS on business, Tongaat-
Hulett group corporate planning manager Jan Wiltshire
said the difference suggested companies were ignoring
the threat.

“With figures like these, Natal industry cannot afford to
ignore the problem and should do something about it
immediately,” she said.



IJPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

contact, intravenous drug users have caused the
alarming spread of the disease in the state.

Inaugurating the conference, the Manipur Governor,
Mr. Chintamani Panigrahi, said there were about 30,000
drug addicts in the state of which around 20,000 were
intravenous drug users and were highly susceptible to the
disease. Mr. Panigrahi revealed that as many as 646
babies were infected by the AIDS virus in the state.

Three epicentres of HIV infection in the country identi-
fied by AIDS control experts at the conference are in
Bombay, Madras and Manipur.

Manipur shares borders with Myanmar and the infa-
mous “Golden Triangle,” which includes Burma, Laos
and Thailand and the situation in the state is one of
concern. According to the director of the Voluntary
Health Association of India, Dr. P. Sehgal, Manipur has
just .19 per cent of the country’s population, and it is
alarming that of the total of 5,131 HIV cases detected in
India, 1,186 were among intravenous drug abusers of
Manipur alone.

Speaking at the seminar, the head of the drug cell at the
Imdadiya Hospital Committee, a non-government
organisation, said: “AIDS is slowly spreading in Assam
and we are taking steps to check the spread of the
disease.” He said there were three HIV positive cases in
Assam of whom two were defence personnel. A total of
4,420 people had been screened in Assam, since 1987, he
said.

AIDS has also spread to Nagaland and Mizoram,
according to Dr. B. Langkhan, an AIDS control specialist
from Manipur. There are 60 HIV positive cases in
Nagaland and 12 in Mizoram. No immediate statistics
are available about the spread of the disease in Tripura
and Arunachal Pradesh.

Over 100 Full-blown AIDS Cases Detected

BK1903054492 Delhi INDIAN EXPRESS in English
12 Mar 92 p 2

[Text] New Delhi—A total of 104 full-blown AIDS cases
have so far been detected in the country with Bombay
topping the list with 37 followed by Delhi (15), the Rajya
Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

Admitting an increase in the number of AIDS cases
reported in the country, the Minister of State for Health
and Family Welfare, Mrs. D. K. Tharadevi Siddartha
said 6,683 persons were found to be HIV positive.

Out of 1,273,829 persons at risk behaviour screened till
January last the HIV positive cases were found at the
rate of 5.25 percent, she told Dr. Sanjay Singh.

Maharashtra accounted for the highest number of
Western Blot positive cases with 2,096 followed by
Tamil Nadu (1,506), Manipur (1451) and Delhi (479),
she said.

NEAR EAST & SOUTH ASIA 19

To prevent the spread of the disease, the National AIDS
Control Programme was started in 1987 which com-
prised a three pronged attack—surveillance, health and
community education and promotion of safety of blood
and blood products, the minister said.

A five-year national AIDS project invoving a $100
million had been negotiated with the World Bank which
would begin from next month, she said.

Cheaper Anti-AIDS AZT Manufacturing Process
Developed

BK2903094292 Delhi All India Radio Network
in English 0730 GMT 29 Mar 92

[Text] The Indian Institute of Chemical Technology in
Hyderabad has developed a cheaper process for the
manufacture of the only approved drug Azidothymy-
dine, AZT, for the treatment of AIDS. Director of the
institute Dr. A.B. Ramarao, told newsmen in Hyderabad
that the new process will be released to three commercial
firms for production. He said the institute has also
passed on technology for making anti-cancer drug, (Eto-
porcide), to a commercial firm.

IRAQ

Kurdish Leaders Contract AIDS From Female
Allied Soldiers

JN0904085492 Baghdad INA in Arabic 0740 GMT
9 Apr 92

[Text] Baghdad, 9 Apr (INA)—Informed sources in the
Kurdistan Autonomous Region have said that three
leaders of traitor Kurdish parties have contracted AIDS.

AL-QADISIYAH cites sources as saying that three cases
of AIDS, which appeared in Khalifan, Rawandoz, and
Zakho, occurred as a result of illegal affairs between Jalal
Talabani’s cliques and female soldiers from the alliance
of the 30-state aggression serving in the region.

The sources stressed that traitor Rashid Jawish, who is
now receiving treatment in Irbil hospital, and his wife,
Zalikhah Yaban, are among the victims of the disease.

ISRAEL

AFP—New AIDS Cases Triple Last Year

NC0604105492 Paris AFP in English 1008 GMT
6 Apr 92

[Text] Jerusalem, April 6 (AFP}—The number of new
cases of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome [AIDS]
tripled in Israel last year, according to a publication for
medical professionals.

The number of AIDS carriers detected in 1991 climbed
to 306—35 of them women—compared to 97 new cases
in 1990, the April edition of AIDS Newsletter reported.



JPRS-TEP-92-007
24 APRIL 1992

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6 CHINA

Isolation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus
(HIV) in Epidemic Area of HIV Infection in
Yunan Province

54004808A Beijing ZHONGHUA LIUXINGBINGXUE
ZAZHI [CHINESE JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY]
in Chinese Vol 12 No 3 June 1991 pp 129-135

[Article by Shao Yiming [6730 0001 7686], Zeng Yi
[2582 3015] et al.; Institute of Virology, Chineses
Academy of Preventive Medicine]

[Abstract] Blood was collected from HIV-infected per-
sons in epidemic area of HIV infection in Yunnan
province for isolation of HIV. The coculture method was
used for cultivating the virus and reverse transcriptase
assay (RT) was the main method for detection of HIV.
Of 25 seropositive, 24 asymptomatic and one PGL
(persistent generalized lymphadenopathy), 10 showed
positive RT activity (5,000 cpm/ml with steady increase
sometimes to more than 40,000 cpm/ml). The results
were confirmed by the detection of HIV1 p24 Ag
(ELISA) and HIV! POL and GAG gene sequence (PCR)
polymerase chain reaction. In accordance with the
reports from other labs, the viruses isolated from these
group of persons infect only PMCs (peripheral Blood
Monocytes), grew slowly with gradual increase of RT
activity and caused no CPE (cytopathic effect). Efforts
are making, at present, to rise the virus titer with better
culture system. The amplified gene sequence of the
isolates are under investigating.

Ministry Statistics Show 212 HIV Carriers in

OW1703092792B Beijing XINHUA in English
0747 GMT 17 Mar 92

[Excerpt] [Passage omitted] The ministry’s statistics said
there were 212 reported HIV carriers in China in 1991,

SJPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

of which 177 were residents of China’s mainland, and
three reported AIDS sufferers, of which one came from
the mainland.

Anti-AIDS ‘Disinfectant’ on Display at
Guangzhou Fair

HK2304013092 Beijing ZHONGGUO XINWEN SHE
in English 1445 GMT 22 Apr 92

{Text] Guangzhou, April 22 (CNS)}—A new type of
disinfectant capable of killing the AIDS virus and
chlamydia of venereal disease has been displayed for the
first time at the Guangzhou trade fair and proved to be

popular.

The medicine, named “Aileye” was developed with folk
recipes and modern scientific methods and is a patented
product produced by a Guangdong company. The med-
icine is the first of its kind and was developed by China
using high-tech practice.

The medicine, tested by the Research Institute of Viruses
under the China Preventive Medical Science Academy,
showed that it can totally wipe out the AIDS virus within
two minutes and kill gonococcus, staphylococcus and
chlamydia of venereal disease in a minute without side-
effects to the human organism. The product has under-
gone 350 clinical tests conducted by the Guangdong
Provincial People’s Hospital and the Zhongshan Med-
ical University and has shown good results.

The sterilizing product, which came out last year, has
been on sale on a trial basis at home and abroad. It won
the “New Excellent Product Award” in Guangdong
Province. The medicine has so far been exported to
Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa, Japan and the
United States.


SJPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

A spokesman for the National Zoological Gardens said
FIV tests were done regularly on lions and other carni-
vores at the zoo.

A parallel study done by British experts revealed no trace
of FIV in lions in Etosha.

FIV has been found among British domestic cats and in
some zoo lions.

But the discovery of FIV among South African lions has
alarmed experts who fear a spread to zoos and wildlife
parks in the UK.

UGANDA

AIDS Impact in Masaka, Rakai Areas Described

92WE0341A Stockholm DAGENS NYHETER
in Swedish 24 Feb 92 p 2

[Commentary by Johannes Asman: “Where AIDS Has
Become a New Plague”) .

[Text] “Slim” or just simply “the virus” is what the
Ugandans themselves most often call the disease. If one
counts the number of those who have succumbed to
illness or death, it does not represent one of the country’s
worst problems. Nor do the charts showing population
increases over the past few decades give the impression
of a new plague stalking the land.

And yet AIDS cannot be regarded as anything but a
catastrophe for Uganda. Other countries in the region,
such as Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Zaire, and
the Central African Republic are also hard hit. But
because of its openness in the AIDS question, Uganda
more than any other African country has come to be
associated with the disease.

How widespread AIDS has become is uncertain because
a representative sampling has not been tested. But
according to the most recent estimates, around 1.3
million Ugandans today are likely HIV positive. Among
individuals in the sexually active age group, about one in
ten is infected.

In certain parts of the country, the infection has reached
significantly higher proportions. Masaka and Rakai,
southwest of the capital, Kampala, are among the
hardest hit regions. The fact that half of the blood donors
recruited at the Kitovu Hospital in Masaka were HIV
positive, says something about the extent of the disease.

Socially, AIDS hits the society harder than the absolute
figures give an indication of. As it is primarily people in

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA 5

the active age group who are swept away, the whole
social structure is undermined. It is estimated that
600,000 children have been orphaned.

School fees and costs for school supplies were already a
heavy burden on families. A secondary effect of a dimin-
ishing number of adults rearing children is that many
cannot afford to give the children even an elementary
education.

Is there any hope when the HIV infection has already
reached such proportions and there is neither a vaccine
nor a cure to be had? Sources of assistance hoped that
Uganda’s president, Museveni, who had shown such
openness in the AIDS matter, would also begin to
campaign actively for condoms. But he has not done this.

There are suspicions that Museveni has laid low out of
regard for the nation’s nearly 50 percent Catholic popu-
lation. But even he maintains that a campaign for “safe
sex” might be taken advantage of by charlatans. Uned-
ucated people could all too easily be led astray. Conse-
quently, fear has been the primary weapon, explained the
president: Fear leads to discipline.

The campaigns mounted by the authorities with the
support of international assistance organizations, how-
ever, have not been built solely upon fear propaganda,
but also upon medical and educational information,
which is targeted largely at school children.

Condoms, despite the reservations of the president, need
also to be a part of assistance efforts. Sold at a subsidized
price people can afford, they can over the long run,
despite all else, contribute to limiting the spread of the
disease. Support for ordinary healthcare and treatment
of sexual disease can also diminish the spread of HIV.

There is no remedy for the AIDS catastrophe in sight.
But its extent and effects can be contained.

ZIMBABWE

Estimates of 10,000 AIDS Victims

MB1904184992B Johannesburg Radio RSA in English
1500 GMT 18 Apr 92

[Editorial Report] The medical director of the Masvingo
Province in Zimbabwe, Dr. Robert Moyi, says he
believes that up to 10 percent of Zimbabwe’s population
of 10 million would test positive for the HIV virus. Dr.
Moyi said Masvingo Province recorded more than 1,000
cases of AIDS last year, and of these 15 percent were
children. The total number of AIDS victims in Zim-
babwe is estimated at more than 10,000. Four thousand
new cases were recorded last year.



38 WEST EUROPE

[Text] A new category of AIDS sufferer has been estab-
lished by the Department of Health with confirmation of
the first Irish baby with full-blown AIDS born to a
heterosexual mother who is not a drug abuser.

National AIDS coordinator Dr. James Walsh said last
night this case underlined the growing spread of AIDS to
the heterosexual community.

Nine percent of all AIDS cases were now heterosexual,
compared to “almost none” five years ago, he pointed
out.

Of the nine babies in this country who have developed
full-blown AIDS, only one was born to a heterosexual
mother who was not a drug abuser—the other eight were
born to intravenous drug abusers and six of these have
died.

Altogether 78 babies have been born with the HIV virus
but, according to Dr. Walsh, many of these babies lose
the virus by the age of 18 months when the mother’s
antibodies leave their system.

“Between 13 percent and 14 percent” of HIV babies go
on to develop full-blown AIDS, he added, “but this still
leaves 86 babies out of every 100 who do not.”

PORTUGAL

AIDS Statistics Since 1983

92WE0290B Lisbon PUBLICO in Portuguese
13 Feb 92, p 25

[Unattributed article: “Fifty-Eight More AIDS Cases in
the Last Quarter”]

[Text] In the last quarter of 1991, there were 58 new
cases of AIDS in Portugal, raising the total number
reported since the very first, in 1983, to 804.

These data were collected by the center for the epidemi-
ological control of communicable diseases during the
period in question. According to the National Commis-
sion for Combating AIDS (CNLS), as quoted by the
LUSA agency, the identification of 27 cases of the
AIDS-related complex and 67 cases of asymptomatic
patients testing positive indicates that “the epidemic is
continuing to accelerate.”

According to the CNLS, an increase in the AIDS cases in
women, who currently account for 12.6 percent of the
patients, is being seen in Portugal. The first case of the
infection in a woman was reported in 1985.

More Children Infected

An increase has also been seen in the incidence of AIDS
in children. In 1991, there were 12 cases reported in this
age group, “more than all of the cases in this group
reported in the previous eight years.” The patients in the
group between 0 and 12 years of age, of whom there are
22, represent 2.7 percent of the total. Those in the group

JPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

between ages 20 and 44 continue to have the highest
incidence, with 561 cases representing 69.9 percent of all
of the patients.

As risk behaviors, the commission lists, in order of
decreasing importance, homosexual and bisexual rela-
tions, which are the practices characteristic of 45 percent
of the patients reported, followed by heterosexual rela-
tions (26 percent) and drug addiction (14 percent).

However, the CNLS emphasizes that “the gradual
increase in the incidence of the disease among those
addicted to drugs and heterosexuals is clear, which
means a considerable increase in the risk for the popu-
lation at large.”

High Mortality Rate

The most frequent method of transmitting the virus
continues to be sexual behavior, which accounts for
about 70 percent of the cases, while infected blood is
responsible for 22 percent and transmission from mother
to infant for 1.4 percent of the total.

Opportunistic infections (79.6 percent) and Kaposi’s
sarcoma (9.5 percent) are among the pathologies that
lead to a diagnosis of the disease.

Of the 804 patients reported to have the disease since
1983, 428, representing 53.3 percent of the total, have
died. The mortality rate is highest among homosexuals
who are drug addicts (66.7 percent).

Where the geographic distribution of the disease in
Portugal is concerned, the districts affected most seri-
ously have been Lisbon (435 cases), Setubal (75), Oporto
(64), Faro (22), Leiria (19), Viana do Castelo (16), Braga
(15), Coimbra (14), and Aveiro (11), while the other
districts have had a total of 44 cases.

The CNLS, of which Machado Caetano is the coordi-
nator, also warns of the fact that the real number of cases
of AIDS in Portugal is “certainly higher than reported,”
and it is appealing to all citizens to participate in the
battle against the disease.

“The only effective weapons in the battle against AIDS
continue to be information, education, and taking
responsibility for oneself,” this body emphasizes.

UNITED KINGDOM

Government Reports 94 New AIDS Cases in Feb

LD2403085792 London PRESS ASSOCIATION
in English 1912 GMT 23 Mar 92

[Text] There were 94 new cases of AIDS reported in the
United Kingdom during February, according to govern-
ment statistics published today. It brings the number of
AIDS cases since 1982 to 5,649, said the Public Health
Laboratory Service. There were 72 reported deaths from
AIDS in February. In Scotland, no new cases were



26 CENTRAL EURASIA

In the third stage, the positive sera are tested in a
confirmation test—immunoblotting.

A response must not be given [to the individual] until the
final result is obtained in the confirmation tests, so as to
prevent psychological and social injury.

That algorithm for verifying HIV infection in donors
provides reliable testing and is economically sound.

At present, the principal laboratory criteria for HIV
infection have been developed, although a positive EIA
test result for HIV antibodies should be classified as an
indirect indicator. Also indirect indicators are lower
ratio of immunomodulator subpopulations of T lympho-
cytes (OKT4/OKT8<1.5), hyperimmunoglobulinemia,
and leukopenia.

Among the differential-diagnosis criteria are presence of
specific antibodies to HIV proteins in the immunoblot,
EIA identification of HIV antigen, and isolation of virus
from the blood or from other biological fluids.

References

1. Petrov R. V., Khaitov R. M., Fonina L. A., et al.
IMMUNOLOGIYA, 1986, No 5, pp 80-81.

2. Petrov R. V., Khaitov R. M., Fonina L. A., et al. Ibid.,
1988, No 3, pp 21-25.

3. Tentsov Yu. Yu., Bukirnskiy M. I. VOPR. VIRU-
SOL., 1987, No 2, pp 219-221.

4. Abb. J. VOX SANG (Basel), 1986, Vol 51, pp 233-
235.

5. Alter N. J. ANN. PASTEUR: VIROL., 1987, Vol 138,
No 1, pp 31-38.

6. Brun-Veginet F., Barre-Sinoussi F., Saimon A. G., et
al. LANCET, 1984, Vol 1, No 8389, pp 1253-1256.

7. Certa U., Bannwarth W., Stuber D., et al. EMBO J.,
1986, Vol 5, No 11, pp 3051-3056.

8. Estebon J. I., Tai C. C., Kay C. et al. LANCET, 1985,
Vol 2, No 8464, pp 1083-1086.

9. Henderson L. E., Sowder R., Copeland T. D., et al.
SCIENCE, 1988, Vol 241, No 4862, pp 199-201.

10. Kanner S. B., Cheng-Mayer C., Geff R. B., et al. J.
IMMUNOL., 1986, Vol 137, pp 674-678.

11. Oldstone D. F. CELL, 1987, Vol 50, No 6, pp
819-820.

12. Petrov R. V., Khaitov R. M., Fonina L. A., et al. In
“International Conference on AIDS, 4th,” Stockholm,
1988, p 1182.

13. Riggin C. H., Beltz G. H., Hung G.-H, et al. J. CLIN.
MICROBIOL., 1987, Vol 25, No 9, pp 1772-1773.

14, Sarngadharan M. G., Popovic M., Bruch L., et al.
SCIENCE, 1986, Vol 224, pp 506-508.

JPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

15. Yoshida T., Matsui T., Kobayashi S., Yamamoto N.
J. CLIN. MICROBIOL., 1987, Vol 25, No 8, pp 1433-
1437.

Clinical Manifestations of HIV Infection in
Children

92WE0303A Moscow SOVETSKAYA MEDITSINA
in Russian No 9, Sep 91 pp 79- 81

[Article by E. N. Simovanyan, V. N. Chernyshov, L. P.
Sizyakina and N. M. Koldyazhnaya, Rostov-on-Don
Medical Institute; UDC 616.98:578.828.6-
092:612.017.1.064]-053.2-07]

{Text] Cases of HIV infection have been recorded pre-
dominantly among children in recent years in the USSR,
including in Rostov Oblast. The goal of describing the
features of HIV infection in children depending on the
stage of disease was posed in this connection.

Fifty-two children from 7 months to 14 years old were
under observation. HIV infection was diagnosed on the
basis of recognized criteria #3.

HIV-1 antibodies were detected in blood serum from the
children by means of the “Serodia” agglutination test
system, with subsequent confirmation of the presence of
antibodies to virus-specific HIV-1 antigens (p24, p31,
p55, p64, p120) in “Western-Blot” immunological blot
analysis. The overall T-lymphocyte population and the
T-cell subpopulation were determined by means of mon-
oclonal series LT antibodies (LT3, LT4, Ltg) in the
indirect immunofluorescence test. The relative and abso-
lute quantities of B-lymphocytes were studied in the
rosette-forming reaction using mouse erythrocytes. The
concentrations of IgA, AgM and IgG in blood serum
were determined by Manchini’s method, and the level of
circulating immune complexes (CIC) was determined by
precipitation of immune complexes with polyethylene
glycol !. The functional activity of T-lymphocytes was
determined in the RBTL [not further identified] reaction
(using PHA as the mitogen of phagocytic activity), and
the reserve potency of T- lymphocytes was determined in
load tests with T-activin. PHA was evaluated on the
basis of indicators of unfinished and finished phagocy-
tosis (St. aureus, strain 209), and spontaneous phagocyte
activity was analyzed in the NST [not further identified]
test (spontaneous and stimulated). The resulting data
were subjected to statistical treatment using Student’s
t-test.

Patients were distributed in relation to disease stages in
accordance with V. I. Pokrovskiy’s classification (1989).
The stage of initial manifestations of disease (group 1)
was observed in 33 patients, among whom one was
observed with IIB and 32 were observed with IIC. The
stage of secondary diseases were revealed in 19 children
(group 2), to include 11 with IIIA, 3 with IIIB and 5 with
TIC.

Seventeen (32.8 percent) of the children were up to 2
years old, 17 (32.8 percent) were from 2 to 3 years old, 11



SJPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

the rapid spread of HIV infection in the USSR, which
necessitates improving the means of diagnosing it and
preventing it.

The very first thing to be done is to effectively identify
the infection in its earliest stage among donors and to
thereby prevent the spread of the virus through blood
and blood products, as well as through the transplanta-
tion of bone marrow, organs, and tissue. The principal
marker for HIV infection consists in the antibodies to
the viral antigen that have been identified in the blood
serum of infected individuals.!*

The first generation of diagnostic systems for identifying
anti-HIV antibodies was based on indirect solid-phase
enzyme immunoassay (EIA) that used a purified viral
lysate as the antigen. Second-generation techniques have
been developed to raise the sensitivity and specificity of
the immunodiagnostic preparations, and they use genet-
ically engineered viral proteins—recombinant
antigens**’ or synthetic peptides that carry specific
epitopes''!?—as the antigens. In addition to EIA, sen-
sitive techniques have been developed—
immunofluorescence, radioimmunoprecipitation, and
agglutination tests—as well as quick techniques for
inspecting the blood for anti-HIV antibodies.©*!3-15

The aim of the work reported here was to develop an
algorithm for testing blood serum for anti-HIV anti-
bodies and to verify seropositive samples.

At present, primary screening for HIV-infection is done
with kits that use EIA. The technique used for con-
firming the test is immunoblotting (Western blot), but
wide use of that technique is hindered by the complexity
of the technique and its expense.

Since 1985, mandatory testing for anti-HIV antibodies
with domestic EIA systems has been in effect for all
donor blood in the USSR, as well as in other countries.

In primary screening, the frequency of seropositive tests
ranges from 0.26 percent to 0.57 percent, depending on
the test system used (NPO Antigen or NPO Vektor); in
repeat tests, the figure drops to 0.01 percent. All EIA-
positive donor-serum sample are sent to the regional
testing and diagnosis laboratory or to the USSR Ministry
of Health All-Union Hematological Science Center.

The results of tests of 2,009 sera sent for verification to
the All-Union Hematological Science Center from var-
ious regions of the country are presented in the figure.
The data obtained indicate that after the samples were
checked in domestic test systems based on various
antigen determinants, positive test results were recorded
in only 18 percent of cases; in 72 percent [as published],
the tests were clearly negative with redundant testing.
Testing with imported test systems (Abbott, United
States; Wellcome, Great Britian, SP DIAplus, USSR-
Switzerland, etc.), the percentage of positive tests
dropped to seven percent. The samples (149) that
yielded a clearly positive EIA test in imported commer-
cial test systems were then studied in Western blotting.

CENTRAL EURASIA 25

Of those, only 20 samples (one percent) actually con-
tained specific antibodies to HIV proteins. Of the nine
individuals identified in 1987-1988 as HIV seropositive,
six were foreign citizens—primarily students from
Africa—and three were Soviet citizens—blood donors
from Moscow, Smolensk, and Elista. In 1989, a total of
11 seropositive individuals were identified—five were
foreigners from Africa and six were Soviet citizens
(venereal disease patients, individuals who had been
abroad for more than a month and were examined on the
basis of clinical indications).

False-positive EIA tests may be due to inadequate spec-
ificity and poor standardization of test systems, as well
as to a number of other things—content in the blood of
autoantibodies to class II histocompatible antigens, pres-
ence of antibodies to antigens (related to viruses) that are
capable of cross-reacting with antigen determinants of
HIV proteins, and presence of antibodies to parasitic
diseases such as chronic renal insufficiency, chronic
hepatitis, autoimmune pathology, alcoholism, etc.5:?"!!

The principle underlying the confirming Western blot
consists in the identification of antibodies to certain
viral proteins immobilized on a nitrocellulose mem-
brane. First the viral proteins are separated electro-
phoretically in polyacrylamide gel and transferred to the
surface of the nitrocellulose membrane, which is then
incubated with the sample under study. If specific anti-
bodies to HIV proteins are present, the sectors of the
formation of immune complexes are dyed after appro-
priate treatment of the congugate and substrate.

The results of the immunoblotting can be assessed as
positive, doubtful, or negative. A test is considered
seropositive when antibodies to at least one of the viral
envelope proteins (gp 41, gp 120, gp 160) are identified.
If antibodies to different viral proteins are found, but no
antibodies to the envelope proteins are identified, the
test result is considered doubtful. Sera containing anti-
bodies to protein p 24 must also be tested for antibodies
to both viruses (HIV-1 and HIV-2) in combined test
systems. The presence of antibodies to viral-nucleus
proteins (p 24) may also indicate an early stage of
infection. Such individuals need to be kept under obser-
vation and need to be retested in 3-6 months. In any
event, individuals with a doubtful immunoblotting test
result cannot donate blood. Final diagnosis can be made
after careful epidemiological and clinical/immunological
examination.

Based on our experience, we suggest that the testing of
donor blood sera for anti-HIV antibodies be done in
three stages. In the first stage, screening tests are done
with domestic test reagents. If a positive test result is
obtained, the sample is retested with domestic systems,
preferably based on different types of sorbed HIV anti-
gens (Antigen, Rekombinant-HIV, Peptoskrin).

In the second stage, samples producing a doubtful or a
positive result are tested with imported commercial EIA
test systems or with the agglutination test (Serodia-HIV,
Japan).



2 SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

already upon us. It means that even if we halt the
transmission of AIDS now, the situation is already
disastrous, for when all the patients develop the illness
our health services will be swamped. So, it is no joke, it’s
a reality. There are AIDS patients. I think that gradually,
when people have relatives or friends dying of AIDS,
they will realize the extent of the problem. But we must
not wait until then. Our efforts at this point are aimed at
preventing all those patients from coming into being and
preventing suffering among Cameroonians. People must
be very, very careful. And inasmuch as there is no
treatment, the best way to check the disease is still to
prevent it.

COMOROS

National AIDS Program Drafting Strategy

92WE0363A Moroni AL-WATWAN in French
6 Feb 92p7

[Article by Tidjara: “The ’92 Action Plan”]

{Text] An intensification of the awareness campaign and
the establishment of a system of information on sexually
transmitted diseases, AIDS in particular: These objec-
tives are part of the 1992 action plan drafted by the
PNLS [National Fight Against AIDS Program] in coop-
eration with a WHO [World Health Organization] con-
sultant. The government is being asked for a greater
commitment in pursuing its actions aimed at checking
the spread of the HIV virus.

After a three-month internal campaign of mass aware-
ness, the National Fight Against AIDS Program (PNLS)
has begun to draft its schedule of activities for 1992.
WHO consultant Ousmane Diouf is now in Moroni to
help the PNLS draft an action plan for 1992.

According to Ali Said Salim, the 1992 action plan
essentially consists of an intensification of the campaign
to make the public at large more aware by organizing
meetings and conference debates and establishing a
network of information on sexually transmitted diseases
(STD) and AIDS. The system will “provide health-care
personnel with a technical code of behavior to be fol-
lowed when handling any STD or suspected AIDS case.”
It should be noted that training occupies a decisive place
in the code and must be provided for health personnel
(nurses and midwives at outlying clinics) and leaders in
communications techniques “in order to bring education
closer to village groups.” These are religious leaders,
heads of women’s associations, biology teachers, and
members of prefectoral anti-AIDS committees.

In order to achieve all of these objectives, the PNLS
relies a great deal on the technical and financial support
of international organizations such as the WHO, UNDP
[UN Development Program], and the EEC delegation in
Moroni, which have already given their agreement in
principle, but above all, on the support of the govern-
ment. It is time for political decisionmakers to take into

SJPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

account the National Fight Against AIDS Program,
which thus far has operated using outside financing. This
is especially true when one realizes that the epidemic is
attaining ever more alarming proportions, threatening to
“alter” the economic and social fabric of our society and
placing the development process in doubt inasmuch as
the disease strikes economically productive young
people and adults.

We must also be concerned about the perpetuation of the
PNLS inasmuch as the financial backers cannot contin-
ually finance the program, which was not taken into
account when the 1992 budget was drafted. Program
Officials therefore intend to organize a meeting aimed at
making the members of the government more aware.

Indeed, the AIDS epidemic is not only a health problem,
but a social problem as well.

Ten Percent of Inhabitants HIV Positive

AB1904152092B Paris AFP in English 0351 GMT
11 Apr 92

[Editorial Report] Ten percent of the 1.2 million inhab-
itants of Guinea-Bissau are carriers of the AIDS virus,
the head of the West African country’s anti-AIDS fight,
Magda Da Silva, has said. He said the spread of the virus
was due mainly to sexual promiscuity and widespread
polygamy. She added that the number of cases of full-
blown AIDS stood at 182 at the end of March, up from
76 in 1989, when AIDS tests were first brought in. The
disease was most prevalent among the 25 to 39 age
group, with men slightly more affected than women—52
percent against 48 percent.

MALI

Bamake Hospitals Record 377 Cases of AIDS

AB1904152092A Bamako Radiodiffusion- Television du
Mali Radio in French 1300 GMT 12 Apr 92

[Editorial Report] AIDS, considered to be the disease of
the century, really exists and is quite alive in Mali. In
1991 alone, the two hospitals of Bamake recorded 377
cases and thousands of sero-positives touching all ages
and both sexes. Prevention is the best way to fight the
disease, which is why the anti-AIDS program has set up
mobile information teams in order to better inform and
educate the Malian people on this serious world plague.



JPRS-TEP-92-007
16 LATIN AMERICA 24 April 1992
REGIONAL AFFAIRS most seldom, if ever, discussed the issue of sexual

AIDS Campaign Proves ‘Remarkably Successful’

FLO0104150992 Bridgetown CANA in English
1915 GMT 31 Mar 92

[Text] Bridgetown, Barbados, March 31, CANA—A
three-month campaign designed to combat the spread of
Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) infection and
the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrone (AIDS)
among teenagers in the Eastern Caribbean was remark-
ably successful in increasing perceived seriousness and
public discussion of the disease and its prevention,
according to a study released here Tuesday by the
Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (Carec).

According to the study, 76 percent of the population was
able to recall the radio ads used in the campaign—a
recall level which Ms. Claudette Francis, project co-
ordinator, characterised as “extraordinary.”

“The HIV/AIDS behaviour change effort was the first
phase of an ongoing public health campaign being under-
taken by Carec in conjunction with the Ministries of
Health in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, and
Grenada, as well as the CARIBBEAN NEWS AGENCY
(CANA),” Carec said in a statement.

“The first phase, which took place between September
and December 1991, involved the broadcast of three
60-second radio ads aimed at Eastern Caribbean parents
and their teenage children.”

Ms. Francis said, “the focus of our effort was to get
parents and teenagers to talk about sexual responsibility
and protection—frankly, directly, and honestly. If par-
ents believed their children were sexually active, our
campaign encouraged the parents to urge their teenagers
to protect themselves from HIV infection and AIDS. A
primary way to do this is by using condoms.”

Carec developed the HIV/AIDS prevention effort in
response to research conducted last year which found
that, by age 20, more than 75 percent of Eastern Carib-
bean teenagers had become sexually active. This study
found that many of these teens were at risk of contracting
HIV, AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases and
were at equal risk of unplanned pregnancies, Carec
reported.

The research found that, although many parents did not
approve of sexual activity among teenagers, they did
want their children to use protection such as condoms if.
they were sexually active. The research also found that,
while parents wanted their children to use protection,

responsibility with their offsprings.

“Parents and teenagers must talk about these things,
even though it may be a difficult thing to do,” said Ms.
Francis.

Appealing directly to Eastern Caribbean parents, she
said, “You’ve protected them all their lives. You can’t
stop now. If you haven’t discussed sexual responsibility
with your teenagers, do so today.”

In the latest survey, Carec found that 100 percent of the
Eastern Caribbean adults and teenagers polled were
aware of HIV and AIDS; and 70 percent felt HIV
infection and AIDS were the most serious health prob-
lems facing the region. More than 75 percent of the
people polled were able to recall the radio campaign.
Most of those who did recall it said they appreciated the
advice offered to parents and teens in the ads. When
asked to describe the message of the AIDS prevention
ads, the majority of people (80 percent) said the ads
advised people to “use a condom and practise safe sex.”

According to Ms. Francis, Carec, the Ministries of
Health in the region and the Caribbean Family Planning
Affiliation (CFPA), are currently meeting with public
officials and religious leaders to plan the next phase of
the campaign. These campaigns to reduce the spread of
HIV and AIDS are being conducted in conjunction with
the AIDSCOM [expansion unknown] project with
funding from the regional Barbados-based office of the
USS. Agency for International Development.

HAITI

Statistics Reflect Possible 14,000 AIDS Cases

FL0104170692 Port-au-Prince Radio Soleil Network
in Creole 1930 GMT 31 March 92

[Text] According to the National Bureau Against AIDS
Struggle, AIDS is continuing to spread in Haiti.
According to the bureau, there are 10,000 to 14,000
people infected with AIDS which is contrary to the
World Health Organization report of 4,000 cases.

HONDURAS

Over 100 Additional AIDS Cases

92WE0345A San Pedro Sula TIEMPO in Spanish
3 Mar 92 p9

[Text] Tegucigalpa—Yesterday, the technical assistant
for the National AIDS Control Program, Cesar Nunez,
reported that there are 102 additional cases of AIDS.



SJPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

According to Outi Lithen, managing director of the
AIDS Research Center, the change would be stupid.

“Most often the first concern of a person who has gotten
infected is if he or she has infected others,” Lithen
stated. “If some person is careless about him/herself and
others, then I don’t believe that taking the test will
change the situation.

“Even though the laws would have all kinds of con-
straints a person could say that he did not remember.
The skill of the physician is most important here,”
Lithen says.

Minister Rejects Compulsory HIV Treatment

Physicians Group Urged
92WE0309A Helsinki HUFVUDSTADSBLADET
in Swedish 30 Jan 92 p 3

[Article by Mardy Strom: “HIV Specialists Advocate
Compulsory Treatment”]

[Text] A group of specialists in skin and sexually trans-
mitted diseases is calling for a stricter classification of
HIV infection.

Currently syphilis, for example, is classified as an infec-
tious disease that represents a public danger. This makes
compulsory treatment possible.

In contrast people infected with HIV can neither be
tested nor treated against their will nor is it possible to
notify previous partners of the risk if an HIV-infected
person refuses to provide this information.

“Normally this is no problem,” said Sirkka-Liisa Valle,
who was one of those who urged Social Affairs and
Health Minister Eeva Kuuskoski to make the change at
the beginning of the week. “Most patients who need to be
tested for HIV are responsible and willing to cooperate,”
she said.

“But unfortunately there is a small group of people who
do not want to know if they are HIV positive. They want
to go on living as they did before.”

Today, in other words, there is a notification require-
ment for HIV-infected people but suspected cases cannot
be compelled to undergo an examination unless they
consent.

Policy Selection Important

Dr. Valle, who is a surgeon, feels it is high time to decide
what we want to do. She thinks it is important to increase
the chances of tracing the disease now while the number
of infected people is still relatively small.

Part of the medical profession seems to have shared this
view—for quite some time. As far back as the spring of
1987 Finland’s medical association released a statement
on the subject. It was considered important to have an
ordinance classifying HIV as an infectious disease posing

WEST EUROPE 33

a threat to the public so the authorities would have a
chance to intervene in cases where the people involved
do not care about the harm they can cause to others.

“Tt is true that when a patient seeks treatment today it is
Possible in practice for doctors to make any tests they
want to; in a way they have carte blanche,” stated a
specialist in infectious diseases, Associate Professor Ville
Valtonen of HUCS [Helsinki University’s Center for
Infectious Diseases).

Things may be worse when the law on patients’ rights
that is being prepared goes into effect, he pointed out. It
would make it impossible to perform an HIV test, for
example, without the patient’s consent.

“If we are forced to ask for consent in the future, quite
preposterous situations can arise,” he said. “Just think of
emergency cases who are in such poor shape that they
cannot be questioned. And what will we do if there are
several patients in the same room?”

Compulsory treatment for people with dangerous sexual
diseases has not really been any problem in Finland,
according to Dr. Valle. That HIV is not classified in the
same way as syphilis, for example, is due to the fact that
there is no cure for AIDS and therefore compulsory
treatment is not regarded as possible.

“But the law does not talk about cures,” she pointed out.
“The goal is to check the spread of epidemics through
measures aimed at individuals.”

She also pointed out that treatment is a right as well as an
obligation. Although there is no cure for AIDS, treat-
ment methods have been improved so that patients’ lives
can be extended by one to two years. It is also possible to
alleviate some of the symptoms. This means a better
quality of life.

There are over 100 people with AIDS in Finland and
around 450 are HIV positive. In 1991 alone at least 32
people died of AIDS.

Valle pointed out that recent studies of the most cost-
effective ways of preventing the spread of HIV stress the
possibility of tracing former sexual partners. Such
studies have been made in Sweden and the United
States, for example.

In Sweden the law is no problem. There the law provides
approximately the same possibilities that a group of
doctors here is now calling for.

Opposition

There is opposition to the reform the doctors are calling
for—mainly among people who are afraid that giving the
infection a stricter classification would make some
groups of patients extremely reluctant to seek treatment.
They say a change would also diminish the integrity of
private life.



34 WEST EUROPE

Social Affairs and Health Minister Kuuskoski says an
evaluation of the Finnish line is currently being made at
the ministry.

“Now that we can see the results of five to six years of
work the Finnish effort is in a high international class,”
she said. “If we change our principles we must be very
sure that this will also produce better results.”

She is not convinced at this time that compulsory
treatment is what is needed. She believes in confidenti-
ality on these matters in doctor-patient relationships and
says a change in the law would not necessarily make it
easier to trace former sexual contacts.

In Finland around 20 percent of HIV-positive people
refuse to give the names of their sexual partners.
Although Swedish law provides greater possibilities in
this respect the rate there is around 25 percent, she
pointed out.

Kuuskoski Defends Policies

92WE0309B Helsinki HUFVUDSTADSBLADET
in Swedish 14 Feb 92 p 5

[Article from Finnish News Agency: “Coercion Does
Not Combat AIDS”)

[Text] There is no intention to resort to compulsory
measures to combat AIDS in Finland, according to
Social Affairs and Health Minister Eeva Kuuskoski
(Center Party). The present line, which is based on
voluntary action, has produced good results in her
opinion. Kuuskoski says that in recent years the view
that compulsory measures should be avoided has gained
strength on the international level as well. Finland’s
procedure can also be justified by the fact that Sweden,
which has taken the compulsory line, has achieved no
better results in combating AIDS than we have here.
Sweden is the only Nordic country where compulsory
measures are possible. Compared with Sweden HIV
infection has spread much more slowly in Finland. At
the end of last year Sweden had 2,972 people infected
and Finland had 428, according to chief physician Olli
Haikala.

Compulsory measures are more likely to do harm than
good in the control effort based on tracing contacts.
Compulsory measures do not create a good basis for
responsible behavior. On the contrary, tests are only
useful when they lead to responsible behavior.

The threat of compulsory measures can also lead to fewer
people reporting their sexual contacts, even though the
law on infectious diseases makes it their duty.

According to a Swedish study over a quarter of those
infected with HIV did not report a single contact.

However it is extremely rare that compulsory treatment
or compulsory testing has been resorted to in Sweden.
Even though the law makes it mandatory to come in for
testing if one is reported as a contact, doctors do not test

JPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

people against their will in practice. To date only seven
or eight patients have received compulsory treatment.

Considerably fewer cases of infection have been noted in
Finland than in other parts of West Europe. Last year
HIV infection was found in 57 new patients of whom 39
were Finns. The year before the total number of people
infected was 91, 63 of them Finns.

According to Associate Professor Pauli Leinikki it is not
believed that there are a large number of undetected
disease carriers behind the cases that have been diag-
nosed.

Health Agency Issues AIDS Forecast for Helsinki

92WE0360B Helsinki HUFVUDSTADSBLADET
in Swedish 3 Feb 92 p7

[Unattributed article: “Health Department’s Five-Year
Estimate: Number of HIV Cases To Double In Hel-
sinki”]

[Text] The Health Department of the city of Helsinki
estimates that the number of people affected by HIV
infection will double in the next five years. This is a
prognosis which covers the incidence of the HIV virus
only in Helsinki.

It is assumed that the number of HIV patients will
increase from 210 cases last year to approximately 400 in
the year 1996.

The Health Department calculates that this year
expenses to fight HIV will approach 8.4 million mark-
kaa.

By the year 1996 it is estimated that the job of informing
and teaching about and preventing HIV will cost about
13.7 million markka.

The target groups on which preventive efforts will con-
centrate will be homosexual and bisexual men, intrave-
nous drug users, people with multiple sexual partners,
and people who travel abroad.

All Helsinki residents affected by HIV who need health
care and tests have been referred to the Aurora Hospital.

In September of last year 169 people infected with HIV
were either admitted to the hospital or were being cared
for by the hospital. Twenty-four had full-blown AIDS
while 120 had symptoms and 25 were asymptomatic.

Getting an HIV test costs nothing at city public health
stations, the polyclinic for sexual diseases, or the AIDS
support central office. No name need be given if one
does not wish to.

The HIV tests are analyzed at the Aurora Hospital and,
whereas in 1990 it analyzed 18,700 tests, the hospital
estimates it will analyze upwards of 30,000 cases per year
during the next five years.



SPRS-TEP-92-007
2 CENTRAL EURASIA 24 April 1992
AIDS Incidence in Ukraine year. In most of the European countries the rate of

91WE0257 Kiev MOLOD UKRAYINY in Ukrainian
1 Dec 90 p2

{Article by L. Mykytyuk]

[Text] Any type of official information in Ukraine has,
all too often, the opposite effect from what is intended.
The underlying credo seems to be: Don’t believe any-
thing that is issued by the government since its intent is
to undermine the movement for democracy which, after
all, does have popular support in Ukraine.

Specialists no longer refer to AIDS as an epidemic, but as
a pandemic. According to volume eight of the Ukrainian
Soviet Encyclopedia, pandemic comes from the Greek
word for people and represents the most serious form of
an epidemic when an infectious disease encompassess
one or more countries.

The number of countries afflicted with AIDS now stands
at 175. Worldwide, there are six million individuals
infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus, or
AIDS virus) and 299,000 patients with AIDS. These
figures include 700,000 children. A recent briefing for
journalists by the Ukrainian Ministry of Health dis-
closed that within five years the numbers of infected
individuals will rise to 15 million, and by the year 2000
everyone in the world will be infected unless preventive
measures are taken to save our planet.

Until 1987 the Soviet medical establishment denied that
AIDS exists in the USSR and asserted that AIDS could
never find a niche here. This was all the more encouring
since the US was already plagued by some 12,000 cases
of AIDS. In the US AIDS surfaced in 1981 and the
acronym first appeared in weekly American epidemio-
logic reports. Currently, about 1.5 billion dollars goes for
work on AIDS in the US. An AIDS program was finally
founded in the USSR, but so far the government has not
gotten around to financing it. Just a slight difference in
the American and Soviet approaches to this scourge.

Our statistics reveal that financing of information on
AIDS in the USSR comes to six kopecks per year per
citizen. Even this low level has had an effect. Now one
person out of seven is sufficiently concerned about AIDS
to alter their sexual habits. At least this is what surveys
reveal, although old habits die hard.

Nevertheless, it is generally recognized that the risk of a
HIV infection is higher in passive homosexual partners.
In heterosexual relationships the risk of infection for a
man from a woman is higher than vice versa, although
accurate data are not yet available. In addition, Amer-
ican researchers have shown that women with AIDS die
sooner than infected men because of the more virulent
course of the disease. The reasons for this difference
remain unclear.

Today there are 48 AIDS patients in the USSR and 1126
infected individuals, although the rate of increase is
regarded as high since there was a six-fold increase in one

increase is on the order of 1.5- to two-fold.

In Ukraine there are 221 HIV carriers, although it must
be noted that foreign diagnostic methods have an accu-
racy rate of almost 100 percent, while Soviet techniques
approach only 70 percent. To date, two children and a
young woman have died of AIDS in Ukraine. Infected
individuals are found in 16 Ukrainian oblasts, with more
than half of the cases occurring in Odessa and Kiev.

The first Soviet case was a translator who had worked in
Africa.

Although the virus does not kill immediately, it weakens
a victim to the extent that stress or another infection
leads to rapid proliferaion of HIV after years of dor-
mancy. The patients frequently come down with cancer
and their physical appearance resembles that of concen-
tration camp prisoners. Patients with AIDS lose 15 to 20
liters of water a day and are commonly referred to by
physicians as ‘living cadavers.’

Arkdiy Fedorovych Frolov, director of the Kiev Scien-
tific Research Institute of Epidemiology, is quite
familiar with various diagnostic technologies, including
those described as extrasensory. He recently informed
the public that there isn’t a single laboratory in Ukraine
devoted to isolation of HIV since there is no specific
‘Ukrainian’ AIDS virus, as if that should preclude
serious research.

When asked whether the diagnostic method of V. M.
Sarchuk has been tested at the institute, Frolov
responded that the method has been tested, is being
tested, and will again be tested in two to three months.

Frolov added that the test is very sensitive, but its
specificity remains to be established. In some cases the
results were both false positive and false negative in
comparison with instrumental methods. Although
arcane, such information is of general interest.

Legislators, however, have moved faster and and All-
Union law dealing with AIDS has been passed and is
under consideration in the Ukrainian Supreme Soviet. It
has been said that the Ukrainian bill is more specific on
some points than the All-Union bill, although it has yet
to be implemented.

The new laws legalize homosexual practices and prosti-
tution as a means of facilitating AIDS prevention. They
represent revolutionary changes whose time has come.

Under existing laws foreigners with AIDS or HIV car-
riers are subject to deportation. Nevertheless, since
AIDS has already been introduced into Ukraine by
citizens of 29 foreign countries, such measures can
hardly be expected to have a telling effect.

One article of the Ukrainian Criminal Code threatens
infected physicians who place their patients at risk with
a jail term of five years. Patients who knowingly infect
others are subject to jail terms of up to eight years. In



IJPRS-TEP-92-007

24 April 1992 3 AIDS
EAST EUROPE
ALBANIA
HIV Testing Fails To Show Any Carriers [Tirana BASHKIMI, 5 Mar 92] .sssssvsssssevsseessersveeseenene 14
CZECHOSLOVAKIA

AIDS, HIV Statistics Reported /Prague RUDE PRAVO, 2 Apr 92]
HUNGARY

AIDS Foundation Short of Funds, Facing Possible Epidemic (Budapest MTT, 17 Apr 92] sv. 14
YUGOSLAVIA

Commission Preparing AIDS Measures Before UN N Troops Arrive
[Belgrade TANJUG, 18 Apr 92]

LATIN AMERICA
REGIONAL AFFAIRS
AIDS Campaign Proves ‘Remarkably Successful’ [Bridgetown CANA, 31 Mar 92]
HAITI

woven AS

Statistics Reflect Possible 14,000 AIDS Cases
[Port-au-Prince Radio Soleil Network, 31 March 92]...

HONDURAS
Over 100 Additional AIDS Cases /San Pedro Sula TIEMPO, 3 Mar 92]. ....osyssrss
NEAR EAST & SOUTH ASIA
REGIONAL AFFAIRS
Regional AIDS Conference: Statistics Reported /Rabat L’OPINION, 16 Feb 92]
ALGERIA

Paper Cites AIDS Statistics for Western Algeria [Rabat MAP, 16 Mar 92] ....
INDIA

AIDS Rise in Manipur Said Related to Addiction (Calcutta THE TELEGRAPH, 30 Jan 92]
Over 100 Full-blown AIDS Cases Detected /Delhi INDIAN EXPRESS, 12 Mar 92) ........
Cheaper Anti-AIDS AZT Manufacturing Process Developed

[Delhi All India Radio Network, 29 Mar 92] .....

19

IRAQ
Kurdish Leaders Contract AIDS From Female Allied Soldiers /Baghdad INA, 9 Apr 92] ....
ISRAEL
AFP—New AIDS Cases Triple Last Year Paris AFP, 6 Apr 92]

Over 300 Percent Rise in HIV-Positive Testing in 1991
[Jerusalem THE JERUSALEM POST, 6 Apr 92] .....

19
20



JPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

is the political will to implement a policy that guarantees
each person the right to be free of AIDS.”

WHO Reports Worldwide AIDS Cases

AU0104131792 Paris AFP in English 1238 GMT
1 Apr 92

[Text] Geneva, April 1 (AFP) - The World Health
Organisation (WHO) Wednesday said it had registered a
total of 484,148 cases of full-blown AIDS cases world-
wide, of which 37,000 over the past three months.

The increase was most notable in Africa, the Americas
and Europe.

INTERNATIONAL 41

In Africa, WHO said 143,936 had been registered, of
which 30,190 cases in Uganda, 27,396 in Tanzania,
14,762 in Zaire and 12,074 in Malawi.

In the United States, the number increased by 15,000 to
268,445.

Europe registered a total of 66,106 cases, including some
17,000 for France and 11,000 for Italy.

WHO estimates that between 10 and 12 million people
are already infected by the AIDS-causing virus, which
destroys the body’s immune system resulting eventually
in death.



SJPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

reported during the month, although there were three
deaths from the disease, according to the Scottish Office.

Health Service Gives New Statistics on AIDS

92WE0379 London THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
in English 24 Mar 92 p 9

[Text] The number of women with AIDS grew by a third
in the past 13 months compared with the previous year,
while the number of men dropped slightly, the Public
Health Laboratory Service [PHLS] said yesterday.

WEST EUROPE 39

But AIDS remains predominantly a disease of homo-
sexual men, with nearly 10 times as many affected as
women, and although it affects every health region in the
country, the North-West and North-East Thames regions
have by far the largest numbers of victims.

The PHLS report showed that the number of women
with the disease rose from 99 to 132 (33 percent) while
the number of men fell by four percent from 1,237 to
1,185. A further 94 new cases of AIDS were notified last
month, bringing the total to 5,648, of whom 3,527 (62
percent) have died since official records started in 1982.



IJPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

The Nepalese entered the country on a tourist visa in
January and had worked illegally for a local firm.

The finding brings the number of foreigners found
infected with the deadly disease in the country to 12; 11
have been deported, he said.

Four New AIDS Cases Identified in Mar

SK3103101092 Seoul YONHAP in English 0808 GMT
31 Mar 92

[Text] Seoul, March 31 (YONHAP)—Four people tested
positive for the virus that cause AIDS in March, bringing
the total number of HIV-infected Koreans to 169, the
Health and Social Affairs Ministry said Tuesday.

A man in his 20s contracted the virus that causes the
deadly Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome [AIDS]
through random sexual contacts overseas and a homo-
sexual in his mid-20s contracted AIDS through high-risk
sex in Korea, a ministry spokesman said.

A 28-year-old housewife was infected by her husband,
who tested positive for the AIDS virus in February this
year, the spokesman said.

The cause of the fourth infection, of a college student,
was still being traced, he said.

Fifteen of the 185 Koreans infected with AIDS have
died, one has emigrated and 169 are under government
observation.

MALAYSIA

Minister Reveals 33 AIDS Deaths, 2,900 HIV
Cases

BK2103093892 Kuala Lumpur BERNAMA in English
0849 GMT 21 Mar 92

[Text] Penang, March 21 (OANA-BERNAMA)—Health
Minister Lee Kim Sai said Saturday that of the 46 people
in the country infected with AIDS, 33 have already died.

The number of deaths from AIDS was 32 in mid-
January, he added.

He told reporters here AIDS patients often succumbed to
other diseases brought on by their weakened immune
systems such as pneumonia and throat infections.

He said the number of the carriers of the AIDS virus
(HIV) in the country was now 2,900 compared to 2,744
in January.

EAST ASIA 9

PHILIPPINES

Health Secretary: AIDS Testing To Be Stepped

P

HK1603073292 Hong Kong AFP in English 0721 GMT
16 March 92

[Text] Manila, March 16 (AFP)—The AIDS epidemic in
Thailand must not be replicated in the Philippines,
Health Secretary Antonio Periquet said Monday as
authorities stepped up testing to assess the magnitude of
the problem.

Periquet said a 2.5 million peso (100,000 dollars) pro-
gram: will shortly “broaden the coverage” of AIDS
testing in the Philippines “in order to have a more
accurate information about the real extent of AIDS in
this country.”

Periquet said they have previously tested the so-called
high-risk group of sex workers, but added overseas
contract workers, intravenous drug users and homosex-
uals will be included in the tests to begin in June.

Manuel Dayrit, another health department official told a
press conference, they plan to conduct random blood
testings in 50 sites nationwide, and that “within the year,
we would be able to tell you more specifically how big the
problem is.”

AIDS, or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, is a
disease that breaks down the body’s immune system,
making it susceptible to ordinary infections.

Periquet said some 306 people are known to be infected
with the AIDS virus in the Philippines, and that 62
full-blown AIDS cases have been documented. He added
that actual AIDS cases could be higher.

He said the Philippines must not replicate the experience
of Thailand which originally thought the number of
AIDS infection was “inconsequential,” adding that
when a survey was conducted, the figure topped 300,000.

“It was not really an explosion (in Thailand) in the sense
of suddenly 300,000,” Periquet said. “They were there
all the time, they just didn’t know.

“We don’t want that situation occuring here,” Periquet
added.

Asked if it was possible that the number of AIDS cases
could be similar to Thailand after the nationwide testing,
Periquet said: “It is hard to answer that categorically, but
it may be not unlikely.”

Dayrit said “it’s possible that it may be like in Thailand
but we hope it is not. But until we do this surveillance,
we cannot really give you the real picture.”



JPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

Health Official: Addicts Stop Sharing Needles
92WE0246C Bangkok MATICHON in Thai 6 Jan 92 p 9

[Article by Dr. Suphak Wanitchaseni, deputy director of
the Bangkok Health Department]

{Excerpts} This year should be the year that the spread of
AIDS begins to decline in Thailand. Otherwise, by the
year 2000, 4 million Thais will have this disease. This
will be the case unless those who engage in risky types of
behavior change the way they act.

Actually, some of those who used to engage in risky types
of behavior have changed the way they act. For example,
more and more men who have sex with prostitutes or
with other women besides their wives are using condoms
each time they have sex. Up to 90 percent of those who
used to share needles when injecting narcotics now use
their own needle. And about half of those who used to
inject drugs have stopped injecting drugs (they have
stopped using needles). [passage omitted]

As of last year, about 200-400,000 Thais had the virus.
Most of these are men who use the services of prosti-
tutes. The number of AIDS victims is increasing daily.
Among men who visit prostitutes, the number is
increasing at a rate of about 300 people a day. [passage
omitted]

Those most at risk today are those who have sex with
prostitutes. [Passage omitted]

A recent study has provided useful data that people
should be aware of. That is, from monitoring drug
addicts from before they contracted the AIDS virus and
examining their symptoms, it has been found that those
who have continued to use drugs have more symptoms
than those who have stopped using drugs. Those who
consume alcohol show symptoms. For example, their
lymph glands are clearly larger than those of people who
don’t drink.

Among non-smokers who have been monitored for one
to four years since contracting the virus, no symptoms
have been found. On the average, among drug addicts,
symptoms usually begin to appear 19-24 months after
contracting the virus.

Thus, if drug addicts stop taking drugs, the onset of the
disease will be delayed, and they will be able to carry on
a normal life for a long time. These data were obtained
from a study of 152 people. In the past, some people did
not really believe the warnings about AIDS. They
thought that this was just an attempt to get them to stop
taking drugs. But these studies provide factual data on
this disease. [passage omitted]

Udon Thani Province AIDS Statistics Cited
92WE0246G Bangkok NAEO NA in Thai 8 Jan 92 p 20

[Excerpt] A NAEO NA reporter in Udon Thani Province
reported that on 7 January at the auditorium of the

EAST ASIA. 1

Udon Thani Red Cross, Mr. Thawat Phothisunthon, the
governor of Udon Thani Province, chaired a meeting of
the AIDS Prevention and Control Board. Also attending
the meeting were district public health officials, police
and military officials, and hospital personnel.

Citing data provided by provincial public health offi-
cials, the provincial governor said that based on the
biannual surveys on the AIDS situation in the province,
it has been found that in the groups that are at risk of
contracting AIDS, which includes prostitutes, the
number of AIDS cases is increasing at an alarming rate.
In December 1989, the percentage with AIDS was only
5.8 percent. But by the end of December 1991, the
percentage had increased to 30.4 percent. That is, the
percentage has increased five times in just two years. In
Udon Thani Province, there are now 393 people with
full-blown cases of AIDS. Of these, 190 are men, and 203
are women.

“The alarming problem is that based on surveys con-
ducted among men who have come to be examined for a
venereal disease, it has been learned that only 26.6
percent use a condom. This shows that the risk of
contracting AIDS through sexual intercourse is very
high. [passage omitted]

Chiang Rai AIDS Cases Discussed

92WE0277C Bangkok NAEO NA in Thai 13 Jan 92
pp 11, 15

[Text] Dr. Suphachai Saison, the Chiang Rai provincial
public health officer, talked with NAEO NA about the
AIDS situation. He said that this disease has now spread
to people in every occupational group in both the plains
and the highlands. The districts with the highest inci-
dence of AIDS are Muang, Mae Sai, and Mae Chan
districts in that order. AIDS is most prevalent among
prostitutes. There are a large number of prostitutes here.
Some are from the province and some are from neigh-
boring countries. And some have worked as prostitutes
abroad.

Today, there are approximately 30,000 people with the
AIDS virus. Eight people have died. There are 18
patients with full-blown cases of AIDS at the Chiang Rai
Public Hospital and the Mae Wan Hospital. A total of
175 newborn infants received the virus from their
mothers. More than 10 of these infants were left aban-
doned at the provincial hospital. The number of people
contracting the virus is increasing. This is because the
number of men who visit prostitutes hasn’t declined, and
there are a large number of prostitutes.

“The AIDS situation in Chiang Rai Province is very
worrisome. I would like to warn men to take precautions
to protect themselves by using a condom. This year,



IJPRS-TEP-92-007

24 April 1992 2 AIDS
ZIMBABWE
Estimates of 10,000 AIDS Victims (Johannesburg Radio RSA, 18 Apr 92] 5
CHINA pe Rae ts
Isolation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Epidemic Area of HIV Infection in Yunan
Province .
[Shao’ Yiming, Zeng Yi, et al. Beijing ZHONGHUA LIUXINGBINGXUE ZAZHI [CHINESE
JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY Vol 12 No 3, June 1991] ..... 6
Ministry Statistics Show 212 HIV Carriers in 1991 [Beijing XINHUA, 17 Mar 92] 6
Anti-AIDS. ‘Disinfectant’ on Display at Guangzhou Fair
[Beijing ZHONGGUO'XINWEN SHE, 22 Apr 92] .... 6
EAST ASIA
HONG KONG
Local Executives Support AIDS Tests for Workers
[Mariana Wan; Hong Kong SOUTH CHINA SUNDAY MORNING POST, 22 Mar 92] 7
JAPAN sa
Survey Reveals Few Individual Precautions Against AIDS /Tokyo KYODO, 10 Mar 92] .. 7
New AIDS Information Campaign To Be Launched /Tokyo KYODO, 19 Mar 92] .... 8
SOUTH KOREA
Ministry Seeks To Deport HIV Positive Nepalese Worker
[Seoul THE KOREA HERALD, 19 Mar 92] .. 8
Four New AIDS Casés Identified in Mar [Seoul YONHAP, 31 Mar 92] 9
MALAYSIA
Minister Reveals 33 AIDS Deaths, 2,900 HIV Cases [Kuala Lumpur BERNAMA, 21 Mar 92] ..... 9
PHILIPPINES ee ;
Health Secretary: AIDS Testing To Be Stepped Up [Hong Kong AFP, 16 March 92] 9
THAILAND
Epidemiologist Notes AIDS Figures, Risk Groups /Bangkok BAN MUANG, 9 Dec 91] 10
Songkhla Clamps’ Down-on AIDS Reporting Bangkok DAO SIAM, 21 Dec 91] 10
Nakhon Pathom HIV Cases Profiled /Bangkok DAILY NEWS, I Jan 92] 10
Health Official: Addicts Stop Sharing Needles
[Suphak Wanitchaseni; Bangkok MATICHON, 6 Jan 92] ll
Udon Thani Province AIDS Statistics Cited (Bangkok NAEO NA, 8 Jan 92] IL
Chiang Rai AIDS Cases Discussed /Bangkok NAEO NA, 13 Jan 92] . ll
Minister Michai Discusses AIDS, Blood Supply . (Bangkok DAILY NEWS, 31 Jan 92] 12
AIDS Drug High Cost; Latest Statistics .-[Bangkok NAEO NA, 10 Feb 92] . 12

Burma Giving AIDS Victims Cyanide Shots /Bangkok THE NATION, 2 Apr 92] ..

VIETNAM

Fifty-Seven People Test HIV Positive in 1991 [Hanoi VNA, 15 Apr 92] ......



32 WEST EUROPE

CYPRUS

AIDS Figures Show 62 Cypriot, 47 Foreign
Patients, Carriers

NC0304091592 Nicosia O AGON in Greek

3 Apr 92 p 20

[Text] As of 31 March 1992, 109 people were infected
with the AIDS virus in Cyprus, of which 62 are Cypriots
and 47 are foreigners. The foreigners left Cyprus fol-
lowing the diagnosis.

Of the 62 Cypriots infected with the AIDS virus 14 were
AIDS patients and 47 AIDS carriers [inconsistent figures
as published]. So far nine AIDS patients have died.

During the first three months of 1992 only three cases of
foreign AIDS carriers were recorded, one Romanian and
one Hungarian artiste and an African worker.

Since November 1991 not one case has involved a
Cypriot AIDS patient or carrier, possibly due to Health
Ministry prevention and control measures and to people
starting to believe that it is up to them to prevent the
spread of AIDS and to develop responsible behavior.

FINLAND

Physicians’ Group Urges Mandatory HIV Testing
92WE0302A Helsinki HELSINGIN SANOMAT
in Finnish 29 Jan 92 p 6

[Unattributed article: “Physicians’ Group Demands
Mandatory HIV Testing; Eeva Kuuskoski Still Believes
in Voluntary Testing”)

[Text] The spread of HIV could be prevented more
effectively than at present if mandatory tests were made
of suspected carriers of the infection. At least that is what
31 dermatologists and venereal disease specialists, who
delivered a proposal for the modification of the commu-
nicable disease statute to Eeva Kuuskoski, social and
health minister, believe.

HIV testing could be mandatory if the AIDS statute were
classified as a generally dangerous communicable dis-
ease, like syphilis. At present AIDS belongs, like
chlamydia and gonorrhea, to the so-called mandatory
disclosure diseases for which notice to the registry must
be given.

The initiator of the proposal, physician and AIDS
researcher Sirkka-Liisa Valle, says that the present law
supports the view that an HIV-infected person does not
need to inform his or her sexual partners. In addition, in
Valle’s opinion, not all general practitioners or internal
medicine specialists inquire about the sexual partners of
their HIV patients.

Most infections could have been prevented if a careful
listing of contacts had been made in time, the petition
states.

SJPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

Change Would Demand Strong Reasons

Eeva Kuuskoski, social and health minister, is not cer-
tain that it would be necessary to alter the present
Finnish system.

“Our situation is fairly good if we compare it to many
other countries. If the policy of voluntary testing is to be
changed, then there have to be very strong reasons.”

Kuuskoski wonders how the change could help keep the
infection under control.

“Physicians coming here from abroad say that doctors in
Sweden have greater powers. In Finland, one-fifth of
those knowingly infected do not inform their partners,
while in Sweden the figure is one-fourth. Thus our results
are better.”

Kuuskoski also stated that the World Health Organiza-
tion [WHO] supports voluntary testing.

“But what can a physician do if one does not say
anything to his partners? I believe the confidential treat-
ment relationship is a principle worth preserving.”

Sirkka-Liisa Valle considers the present HIV classifica-
tion illogical.

“In the past classification was based upon the fact that
mandatory treatment of AIDS could not be carried out
because there is no cure. The laws, however, do not
mention treatment, but presuppose that the spread of the
disease can be prevented.”

Valle states that the life of those infected can be pro-
longed and their quality of life improved. “In addition
most, after learning of their disease, begin to behave
more responsibly.”

Valle believes that fewer would refuse testing if manda-
tory methods were possible. In her opinion, the need to
employ such measures would be extremely rare.

“Those opposing this change support voluntarism by
claiming that getting people to be tested is easier when
the threshold is low and the tests free. However, hospi-
tals are continuing to see patients coming in with their
illness already at an advanced stage.”

Medical Association Desires Change

The Finnish Medical Association took a stand in favor of
AIDS registration back in 1987. In the opinion of the
Association the disease should be classified as epidemic.

Markku Aarimaa, managing director of the association,
also has the same opinion. According to him it is
doubtful if mandatory testing would reduce the size of
the group who voluntarily take HIV tests.

“At any rate the change would create more weapons to
be used against those who are deliberately spreading the
disease,” he says.



20 NEAR EAST & SOUTH ASIA

That gave a total of 867 AIDS carriers, up from 570 in
1990.

Professor Zeev Handzel, director of clinical immunology
at Kaplan hospital in Rehovot, south of Tel Aviv,
attributed the increase in part to the wave of some
170,000 immigrants who flooded into Israel last year.

Israel has since 1983, on top of carriers, also recorded

201 sufferers of full-blown AIDS, 132 of whom have

already died. That represents 3.3 sufferers per 100,000,

compared to about 100 per 100,000 in the United States,
e said.

Over 300 Percent Rise in HIV-Positive Testing in

TA0604104192 Jerusalem THE JERUSALEM POST
in English 6 Apr 92 p 3

[ITIM report]

[Text] The number of people here who tested HIV
positive increased by a dramatic 316 percent last year
and now stands at 867, according to the latest issue of
AIDS NEWSLETTER.

As of March 1, 201 people here had contracted full-
blown AIDS, and 132 of them had died.

The AIDS NEWSLETTER, edited by Yinon Shenkar
and Prof. Ze’ev Handzel, appears monthly and provides
the latest information on the fatal disease to medical
professionals and young people.

The newsletter reports that 97 people were identified as
HIV positive during 1990.

By the end of 1991, this figure had tripled to 306,
including 35 women. The increase, the newsletter said,
was mainly due to the wave of aliya which brought HIV
positive people to the country.

“In recent months, there has been an unusual awakening
of interest among teachers, nurses, youth workers and
physicians in helping promote preventive education
among young people,” noted Shenkar.

MOROCCO

AIDS Cases Feared Higher Than Reported

92WE0285B Rabat L’OPINION in French
10 Feb 92 p 6

[Article: “A Common Enemy, Divided Efforts”]

SJPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

[Text] AIDS is threatening Morocco from the south (the
countries of black Africa) and the north (Europe). The
impact of this terrible malady on our society is not very
well-known, since all the epidemiological studies con-
ducted so far are not yet ready.

The Public Health Ministry’s department of sexually
transmitted and dermatological diseases reported 226
cases of HIV infection as of 31 December 1991. Full-
blown AIDS cases accounted for 98 of them, para-AIDS
cases for 27 of them, and nonsymptomatic carriers for
101.

There are several reasons why the actual number of
AIDS patients in Morocco may be higher than the
official figure. They include an imperfect system for
reporting the disease, an insufficent number of stations
for inventorying all cases of STDs (sexually transmitted
diseases) and AIDS, the lack of experience of doctors and
laboratory workers in the early diagnosis of AIDS
patients, and the population’s ignorance of the disease.

Moroccan health circles are aware of the seriousness of a
potential AIDS epidemic. With the help of international
organizations and experts, they are turning their atten-
tion to improving the manner in which the fight against
AIDS is organized, in terms of management, epidemi-
ology, information, and public education.

Outside the official circuit, several associations and
nongovernmental organizations have formed throughout
the kingdom to block the disease.

No one doubts that each is motivated by the desire to do
what is right. But if each side works in isolation, without
convergent viewpoints or plans of action, time and
energy could be wasted.

THE ENEMY IS COMMON [as published], so let us
work as a community to close our northern and southern
borders to this unwelcome guest: AIDS.

Ministry Gives Costs of Treating AIDS Patients

LD0804142692 Rabat MAP in English 1313 GMT
7 Apr 92

[Text] Rabat, Apr. 7 (MAP)—An AIDS patient costs the
state an average of 75,200 DH [dirham], 65 percent of
the sum represent drugs expenses and 35 percent went to
medical care and para- clinical testing, Omar Akalay
head of the Epidemiology Department at the Moroccan
Health Ministry told “LA VIE ECONOMIQUE” maga-
zine.

This means, he went on, that the thirty AIDS cases
treated in 1991 costed the state 2,256,000 DH and in
year 2001, in the most optimistic estimates, medical care
for AIDS will reach 19,575,000 DH, and will be of



Epidemiology
AIDS

JPRS-TEP-92-007 CONTENTS 24 April 1992

[This EPIDEMIOLOGY report contains only material on AIDS. Other epidemiology topics are covered in a later
issue.]

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

ANGOLA

AIDS Crisis Exacerbates Refugee Repatriation Johannesburg SOWETAN, 6 Feb 92] ....
CAMEROON

Minister Warns of AIDS Danger {Yaounde CAMEROON TRIBUNE, 2 Dec 91]
COMOROS

National AIDS Program Drafting Strategy /Tidjara; Moroni AL-WATWAN, 6 Feb 92]
GUINEA-BISSAU

Ten Percent of Inhabitants HIV Positive (Paris AFP, 11 Apr 92] .....
MALI

Bamake Hospitals Record 377 Cases of AIDS
[Bamako Radiodiffusion- Television du Mali Radio, 12 Apr 92]

MOZAMBIQUE
Seminar on Family Planning Lists AIDS Cases, Affected Areas
[Maputo Radio Mozambique Network, 6 Mar 92]
Twenty-Four AIDS Cases Recorded in Manica in 1991
[Maputo Radio Mozambique Network, 15 Mar 92] .... .
Inhambane Province Records 6 AIDS Cases {Maputo Radio Mozambique Network, 30 Mar 92] ..
NIGERIA
Minister Says 400,000 Nigerians Carry AIDS Virus Paris AFP, 24 Mar 92] ....
SENEGAL
Number of AIDS Cases Increases to 648 /{Paris AFP, 9 Apr 92]] .....
SOUTH AFRICA
HIV Incidence Affecting Natal Industry [Johannesburg THE STAR, 17 Feb 92]
New Compound Allegedly Destroys AIDS Virus
[Johannesburg ENGINEERING NEWS, 28 Feb 92]

Report Cites Venda AIDS Figures /Johannesburg SAPA, 18 Mar 92] ..
Kruger Park Lions With Feline AIDS Confirmed [Johannesburg THE STAR, 5 Mar 92]

UGANDA

AIDS Impact in Masaka, Rakai Areas Described
[Johannes Asman; Stockholm DAGENS NYHETER, 24 Feb 92]

eS



28 CENTRAL EURASIA

Stage IIIC was diagnosed in five patients, characterized by
dystrophy, persistent candidiasis of mucous membranes,
tetraparesis (in three), protracted pneumonia (in three),
disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis (in one), periodic
aggravation of salmonellosis infection (in two), as well as
generalized lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly.

In group 2 in the stage of secondary diseases, cytomeg-
aloviral infection (in 38.8 percent of the children),
herpes infection (in 33.3 percent), presence of HbSAg (in
27.7 percent) and intestinal infections caused by rotavi-
ruses (in 22.2 percent) and Salmonella (in 11.1 percent)
were diagnosed.

Of interest is predominant affliction of the bronchopul-
monary system in group 1 (42.4 percent of the patients).
In the stage of secondary diseases the nervous system
(38.8 percent), liver (44.4 percent) and kidneys (18.1
percent) were affected in addition to the bronchopulmo-
nary system.

No specific changes were revealed in peripheral blood of
HIV infected children. However, mention should be
made of increasing anemia as the infection process
deepens (erythrocyte count in group 1—3.8 +/- 0.40!2/
liter, in group 2—3.0 +/- 0.20'*/liter, Hb—112 +/- 12.8
and 92.0 +/- 8.6 gm/liter respectively), and of the ele-
vated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (14.5 +/- 2.1 and
20.8 +/- 1.9 mm/hr).

An increase in ALT activity (to 2.0 +/- 0.4 mmoles/hr)
and dysproteinemia characterized by a decrease in
albumin quantity (to 40.2 +/- 3.1 percent) and hyperglob-
ulinemia (to 59.9 +/- 3.5 percent) were revealed in 15.1
percent of the children in group 1 and 44.4 percent in
group 2.

Analysis of immune status in stage IIC revealed a
decrease in the concentration of T-helpers with a simul-
taneous increase in the level of T-suppressors, coupled
with inversion of the T,/T, coefficient. The results of
load tests with T-activin demonstrated a moderate
decline in functional activity of T-lymphocytes coupled
with retention of functional reserves of T-cells. Distinct
hypergammaglobulinemia of classes IgA and IgG was
noted in all children, and the CIC concentration was
simultaneously elevated. In addition growth of phago-
cytic activity of neutrophils coupled with stimulation of
unfinished and finished phagocytosis was revealed. Acti-
vation of the metabolic activity of neutrophils was
detected by means of the NST test (spontaneous and
stimulated).

Immune status was characterized in group 2 by develop-
ment of a T-type immunodeficient state with a pro-
nounced decrease in the relative and absolute quantity of
T-lymphocytes, and by further reduction of the helper
subpopulation. The functional activity of T-lymphocytes
and their reserve potency were significantly inhibited.
The B-cell quantity remained elevated. Hypergamma-
globulinemia of all classes persisted as well. Phagocytic
activity of neutrophils was reduced, and changes in

JPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

digestive activity of neutrophils was especially pro-
nounced. The CIC concentration was elevated.

Thus analysis of the results of immunological research
revealed a dependence of the detected changes on the
stage of HIV infection.

Conclusions

1. Premorbid state does not have a significant influence
on the dynamics of the infection process or on the time
of development of the stage of secondary diseases.

2. The period of acute fever is characterized by develop-
ment of catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, mononu-
cleosis-like syndrome, diarrhea and fever.

3. The clinical criteria for early diagnosis of HIV infec-
tion are generalized lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenom-
egaly, affliction of the skin and mucous membranes, and
Tepeat ear, nose and throat viral infections combined
with changes in immune status taking the form of a
decrease in the level of T-helpers, inversion of the T,/T,
ratio and hypergammaglobulinemia.

4. Development of the stage of secondary diseases is
evidenced by the appearance—on the background of
generalized lymphadenopathy—of hepatosplenomegaly,
candidiasis of the skin and mucous membranes, over 10
percent weight loss, prolonged subfebrile temperature
(over 1 month), affliction of the nervous system, a
pronounced P-type immunodeficient state, exhaustion
of the functional activity of T-cells, reduction of finished
phagocytosis and inversion of the T,/T, ratio.

5. The research results permit recommendation of dis-
pensary observation of HIV infected patients.

Bibliography

1. Grinevich, N. A. and Kamenets, L. Ya., “Osnovy
Klinicheskoy immunologii opukholey” [Principles of the
Clinical Immunology of Tumors], Kiev, 1986.

2. Abrams, D., CLIN. IMMUNOL., Vol 6, No 3, 1986, p
591.

3. Baron, C. et al., DIAGN. IMMUNOL., Vol 3, No 2,
1985, p 197.

COPYRIGHT: Izdatelstvo “Meditsina”, 1991

Ukrainian Health Minister on AIDS Control
Measures

92WE0234A Kiev PRAVDA UKRAINY in Russian
28 Nov 91 p4

[Article by Yu. Spizhenko, Ukrainian Public Health
Minister]

[Text] It would be nice if it were so. But alas... The
Worldwide AIDS Prevention Day was December |. But
what can and should we do to foster hope?



JPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

in Weimar, that “the wall” was “the condom of the
former GDR,” and that now, after the country’s reuni-
fication, AIDS prevention in the new laender has
become “immensely important.” Official numbers indi-
cate that in eastern Germany 350 persons, 80 percent of
which are male homosexuals, are currently suffering
from the disease or are carrying the HIV-virus. This
number compares to 50,000 persons in western Ger-
many.

The work of 17 eastern German regional AIDS support
groups is endangered by financial problems, by lacking
facilities or facilities threatened by recall demands, by
legal uncertainty, and by authorities who lack under-
standing. Hauschild remarked that a 180 degree turn
seems to be underway in Saxony’s government. Last year
the government had provided no means to prevent
AIDS, but for 1992 it has earmarked four million marks.

Delegates of 130 regional support organizations met for
the first time in eastern Germany and they demanded
long-term financial assistance for the care of AIDS
patients. The state-wide support organization currently
is staffed by 6,000 volunteers and 550 employees.

Saxon Self-Help Group Plans AIDS Prevention

92WE0368B Leipzig LEIPZIGER VOLKSZEITUNG
in German 19 Mar 92 p 7

{Article by Moritz Jaehnig: “AIDS Prevention Made in
Saxony—Saxon AIDS Support Groups Oppose Copying
Bavaria’s Measures”]

[Text] “AIDS in Saxony” is now becoming a public
conversation topic. Well before Saxony’s Parliament
decided to ready four million marks of its 92 budget for
AIDS prevention, regional AIDS support groups had
met in Dresden and had discussed the situation of
HIV-carriers in Saxony. There is concern that instead of
developping an AIDS prevention program of its own, the
land government will adopt the so-called Bavarian plan
with its strongly restrictive measures towards HIV-
carriers and those in high-risk groups. With this in mind,
about 60 representatives from local public youth-and
health organizations and counseling centers of the state’s
four regional AIDS support groups plus scientists and
workers from AIDS victim self-help groups came
together and agreed on an AIDS plan that would be right
for Saxony. It needs to be mentioned that only gay men
were represented at the conference. They make up 77
percent of Germany’s AIDS carriers, and thus they are
the group hardest hit. There were no conference partic-
ipants from the drug and prostitution scene nor from the
area of law enforcement. The entire issue of women and
AIDS was also left out.

Dr. Michael Bochow from Berlin stressed that eastern
Germany’s special starting conditions make it difficult to
adopt western experience. He said that Saxony must
thoroughly train the experts that presently give AIDS
counselling on the local level and in AIDS support
groups. The message about prevention must not stay

WEST EUROPE 37

restricted to well-known facts, it must be tailored to
special target groups by choice of words and personal
communication. He said the highest priority is the
fostering of a sense of self-acceptance and responsibility-
taking.

AIDS counseling by public health offices often suffers
from insufficient funding. Testing is costly, and local
AIDS support groups have far too few regular staff to
really make a difference.

Saxony still has a relatively favorable situation con-
cerning the spread of AIDS infection. But it is high time
for action. There was almost no discussion about the fact
that agencies won’t receive money outright, but that they
will have to ask for it according to their estimated needs.
Controversies are likely about whether to give AIDS
victim self-help groups participant status. Studies have
shown that a gay-lesbian infrastructure—almost van-
ished since the political “Wende”—can greatly con-
tribute to effective AIDS prevention. One can be sure
though, that the prevention message intended for the
highest risk group will find its target through gay self-
help groups.

The conference shifted from its initial preoccupation
with a more science and theory oriented approach to
entirely health and policy oriented considerations.
Because time is pressing, participants agreed to recon-
vene in only six weeks for a kind of roundtable meeting
or a task force made up of AIDS counselors, scientists,
politicians, and representatives of AIDS victims self-
help groups. The agenda includes: Health education,
ways to take the blame off the prime risk group, caring
for those infected by the HIV-virus and for AIDS
patients, and sex-related policies. Another item on the
agenda deals with extending practical cooperation
between, for example, self-help groups of AIDS victims.
Leipzig could serve as an example in this regard.

GREECE

Health Minister Notes AIDS Cases Jan-Mar 92

NC1404171692 Athens Elliniki Radhiofonia Radio
Network in Greek 1130 GMT 14 Apr 92

[Text] A total of 59 AIDS cases were recorded in our
country during the three-month period of January
through March. Health Minister Yeoryios Sourlas gave
evidence to this effect during a seminar on health guid-
ance held at Zappion Palace.

IRELAND

AIDS Baby Born to Heterosexual Mother

92WE0349A Dublin IRISH INDEPENDENT
in English 18 Feb 92 p 3

[Article by Clodagh Sheehy: ““Hetero’ AIDS Baby”)



JPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

addition, regulations are being implemented that insure
patient confidentiality, and prevent discrimination at
the worksite, school, or in kindergarten. Furthermore,
patients are guaranteed medical care, social security, free
transportation for treatment purposes and other forms of
humane assistance.

Talk about isolation of AIDS victims cannot be tolerated
and such measures are impractical in the face of a
pandemic that threatens us all.

In addition, American studies have shown that surgeons,
obstetricians and gynecologists are at a two- to three-fold
greater risk of infection than homosexuals. Accordingly,
proposals have been made to provide certain categories
of physicians in the US with national health insurance
and, in the worst case scenario, provide for their fami-
lies.

There is an interesting paradox that Soviet physicians
have a typically Soviet attitude to this danger, it is both
lackadaisical and infantile as far as ordinary precautions
go. Disposable equipment and supplies either disappear
or are reused, practices that guarantee to place them and
their patients at risk.

Perhaps legislative measures will guarantee our safety.
Sweden was the first country to promulgate AIDS legis-
lation as early as 1983. Austria followed in that same
year and introduced a program of compulsory testing for
HIV. In addition, infected prostitutes were forbidden to
practice their profession.

The peak incidence of AIDS in the USSR is anticipated
to occur in 1997. Only five percent (150 million pieces)
of the required number of disposable syringes are cur-
rently available, with plans calling for the production of
one billion in 1990 and 2.25 billion in 1991. However,
the Luhansk tool plant is far behind in supplying four
syringe manufacturers with fully automatic assembly
lines.

Serhiy Vasylovych Komisarenko, deputy minister of
Health of the Ukrainian SSR, has stated that manufac-
turing equipment will be purchased from abroad while
Ukrainian industry works to start production on its own.
Oblast executive committees have been ordered to iden-
tify plants capable of producing disposable syringes.

Cost estimates for importing such equipment are in the
250 to 300 million ruble range, but even this figure is out
of date. The time has come for every republic to take the
initiative in its own hands and Ukraine is determined to
utilize all available means to secure release of the appro-
priate funds from the USSR Ministry of Health.

Today, the financial aspects of AIDS seem to have taken
precedence over the moral and legislative questions.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Health has very limited
resources and has found a way out of this situation by

CENTRAL EURASIA 23

sponsoring other institutions in their work against AIDS.
After ordering two anti-AIDS films the coffers of the
ministry became completely depleted. Nevertheless, for-
eign experience shows that for every twelve dollars spent
on information about AIDS, one case of HIV infection is
prevented.

Unfortunately, not much is being done about AIDS by
the government, and everyone has to think about it and
act rationally.

Student Clinic Head on AIDS

91WE0257B Kiev MOLOD UKRAYINY in Ukrainian
1 Dec 90 p2

{Article Yehven Tur]

[Text] It all started with a rumor that some foreign
students in Kiev were deported from the USSR because
of AIDS. Accordingly, an inteview was held with Volod-
ymyr Romanovych Voynarovskyy, head of student clinic
and a specialists on AIDS.

Question: How many students are being seen a the Kiev
Student Clinic?

Answer: Our polyclinic is responsible for some 112
thousand students at 16 higher and 32 intermediate
educational instiutions.

Question: Are any infected with AIDS?

Answer: There are no Soviet citizens that have AIDS. A
few foreigners, however, have been diagnosed with AIDS
and, in accordance with Soviet law, all have been
deported.

Question: But the foreigners could have had intimate
relations with our citizens?

Answer: That certainly is possible because of the loose
morals of our female students. Such contacts have actu-
ally been conformed by the foreign students, but names
could not be obtained since they only knew their part-
ners by first names.

Question: So there may be cases of AIDS among Kiev’s
students?

Answer: Could be. We are not in a position to examine
every student and a law would have to be passed
requiring compulsory examination. A situation like that
would contradict human rights, although we test every
blood sample that we get for AIDS. In addition, we
monitor patients with AIDS-like symptomatology, preg-
nant women, patients with sexually transmitted diseases,
and analyze donor blood.

Question: What are the numbers like?

Answer: Out of a yearly total of 100,000 Soviet students
we examine 30,000.



SJPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

HONG KONG

Local Executives Support AIDS Tests for
Workers

HK2203034592 Hong Kong SOUTH CHINA SUNDAY
MORNING POST in English 22 Mar 92 p 3

[Article by Mariana Wan]

[Excerpts] Most Hong Kong executives support AIDS
tests for workers but medical experts warn this may lead
to discrimination in the workplace.

A survey on how Hong Kong companies react to the
AIDS epidemic found more than 80 percent of
responding executives did not object to the use of
antibody tests on AIDS either before or after employ-
ment.

Only 10 percent said they objected to testing job-seekers
for AIDS, while six percent said they objected to testing
their own employees.

The head of the Department of Health’s special AIDS
preventive unit, Dr. Lee Shui-shan, said he did not
support the idea because it could lead to discrimination.

“It is not good to divide workers into HIV-infected ones,
and non HIV-infected, especially when infected people
are still physically and mentally fit for carrying out
normal duties in the incubation period,” Dr. Lee said.

Dr. Patrick Li,. of the Hong Kong AIDS foundation,
described such tests as a “costly exercise”, and said they
yielded little results.

“Since the workers are in the sexually active age range,
there can be no guarantee that they will not acquire the
infection following a negative test if they have not been
educated about the method of preventing AIDS,” he
said. [passage omitted]

The survey conducted by the Institute of Personnel
Management found about 80 percent of the responding
companies did not have a policy or guidelines on AIDS.

The lack of an AIDS strategy has prompted Legislative
Councillor Mr. Stephen Cheong Kam-chuen to join
experts’ call for more employer participation in helping
to curb the spread of the epidemic.

Speaking at a seminar on AIDS and the workplace, Mr.
Cheong said since many companies in Hong Kong had
medical benefit schemes, it made “dollar sense” to
educate people in an attempt to prevent the disease from
spreading rather than deal with the “huge chronic care
costs later”.

His message came as Dr. Li revealed there was least one
HIV carrier in every 1,000 workers.

“Major corporations can expect to find a few HIV-
infected persons among their staff,” he said.

EAST ASIA 1

He warned the number of HIV infections could be in the
range of 5,000 to 6,000, with expectations it would
increase five to 10 fold by the end of the century if an
effective AIDS prevention programme was not imple-
mented.

There are 268 HIV positive cases in Hong Kong, with 61
of them having developed full blown AIDS.

Hong Kong has a workforce of about 2.8 million, of
which 64 percent are men.

JAPAN

Survey Reveals Few Individual Precautions
Against AIDS

0W1103015692 Tokyo KYODO in English 2309 GMT
10 Mar 92

[Text] Tokyo, March 11 KYODO—Japanese men and
women are not taking measures to protect themselves
from AIDS even though many report having sex with
more than one partner, a government survey said
Wednesday.

The use of condoms remains low among Japanese,
according to the survey by the Health and Welfare
Ministry and the World Health Organization, leading
specialists to warn that Japanese still see AIDS as a
“foreigners’ disease” that “has nothing to do with me.”

Results of the survey will be announced at an interna-
tional workshop on the epidemiology and management
of AIDS, to open in Tokyo on Wednesday.

“The results of this survey are frightening—I had no idea
there were so many people in danger of being infected
with AIDS,” said Tsukuba University hygiene Professor
Tsunetsugu Munakata, who helped conduct the study.
“As soon as possible, it is necessary to develop a national
campaign for the prevention of AIDS.”

Munakata and Kazuo Tajima, head of the epidemiology
department at the Aichi Cancer Center, sent question-
naires to 10,000 people between the ages of 20 and 64 in
Tokyo, Sapporo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka, of whom
3,135 returned completed surveys.

In the past year 346 respondents, or 13.3 percent of those
with a spouse or single specific partner, reported sexual
liaisons outside the relationship—with an average of 2.4
partners.

One in five male respondents reported having sex out-
side a monogamous relationship, while among women
the rate was one in 12.5.

In the past month, 37 percent of those respondents
averaged affairs with 1.5 people outside of their specified
relationship.

Of those who have outside sexual relations, only one in
four reported using condoms all the time, while the rest



10 EAST ASIA

Dayrit added the Philippines has fewer “commercial sex
workers” and intravenous drug users compared to Thai-
land, although it has more overseas contract workers
who are believed to be major transmitters of the AIDS
virus.

THAILAND

Epidemiologist Notes AIDS Figures, Risk Groups

92WE0246D Bangkok BAN MUANG in Thai 9 Dec 91
pl6

[Excerpt] A report from the Epidemiology Division,
Ministry of Public Health, summarized the AIDS situa-
tion today. The report stated that another 11 people have
contracted full-blown cases of AIDS, bringing the total to
190—170 men and 20 women. Of these, 87 are still alive.

Most of these people, that is, 147, contracted the disease
from sexual relations. Of these, 21 are homosexual men,
101 are heterosexual men, 13 are bisexual men, and 12
are heterosexual women. Twenty-nine are intravenous
drug users, three had had blood transfusions, 10 received
the virus from their mothers, and in one case, the cause
is unknown.

As for those with AIDS-related symptoms, there has
been a report that the number has increased from 20 to
489—409 men and 80 women. Of these, 439 are still
alive. Most, 329, contracted the disease from sexual
relations. This is followed by intravenous drug users, 132
cases; those who received blood transfusions, four cases;
and those who contracted the disease from their
mothers, six cases. In 18 cases, the cause is unknown.

Besides this, The Epidemiology Division stated that with
respect to those who have contracted the AIDS virus but
who do not yet show any symptoms, even though some
cases have not been reported to the Ministry of Public
Health because they have not yet been tested, it is
believed that approximately 134,500-247,000 people
have the AIDS virus.

Songkhla Clamps Down on AIDS Reporting

92WE0284A Bangkok DAO SIAM in Thai 21 Dec 91
pp 11, 12

[Excerpt] [passage omitted] The number of tourists going
to Songkhla Province has declined greatly because of the
reports issued by neighboring countries stating that
AIDS is rampant in Hat Yai. These reports have cited
the statements made by certain people even though the
truth is quite different. Also, Malaysia has implemented
very strict measures prohibiting government officials,
politicians, and other people from visiting Thailand.
This is another reason why tourism in Songkhla is so
depressed.

Second Lieutenant Pokkhrong Chindaphon, the gov-
ernor of Songkhla Province, said that in order to solve
this problem, Songkhla Province sent public and private

SIPRS-TEP-92-007
24 April 1992

officials to meet with officials at the Thai consulate in
Penang in order to explain the facts. They also took that
opportunity to meet with the Malaysian mass media. In
Thailand, particularly in Hat Yai, additional steps have
been taken to ensure the safety of tourists. Besides this,
an order has been issued prohibiting unauthorized
people from issuing statements about AIDS. This power
will be given to only four people: the Songkhla provincial
governor, the two deputy governors of Songkhla Prov-
ince, and the Songkhla provincial public health officer.
The purpose of this is to prevent damage to Songkhla’s
image as a tourist spot.

Nakhon Pathom HIV Cases Profiled
92WE0246F Bangkok DAILY NEWS in Thai 1 Jan 92
p20

{Text] Dr. Chanchai Limprasoetsiri, an expert in preven-
tive medicine with the Nakhon Pathom provincial
public health office, said that during the period
December 1989 to June 1991, the group that is studying
and monitoring the AIDS situation in Nakhon Pathom
Province found that the number of HIV cases in the
province increased very rapidly. Surveys have shown
that the number of women ages 15-24 who have the virus
outnumber men by a ratio of three to one. But among
those over the age of 24, more men than women have the
virus. As for the number of prostitutes who have the
virus, in December 1989, it was found that about 19
percent had the virus. But by June 1991, the percentage
of prostitutes with the virus had increased to 57.5
percent, which is a very alarming figure.

Based on the calculations made by these academics, it is
very likely that the percentage of prostitutes with the
AIDS virus will increase to 70 percent. This is because
men like to use their services and prefer not to use a
condom. As for the number of people with full-blown
cases of AIDS, Dr. Chanchai said that there are now 29
cases in Nakhon Pathom Province. One has died from
the disease, and two have died from other causes.
Twenty have returned to their native homes, which
leaves only six in Nakhon Pathom Province. There are
1,201 people who are in the initial stage of the disease.
Of these 393 have returned to their native homes,
leaving 808 in the province. Within the next five years,
these people will probably have full-blown AIDS.

All of these people are under the care of Nakhon Pathom
provincial public health officials and health officials in
the other provinces to which these people have moved.
Most of these people contracted the disease from
engaging in sexual relations without using a condom and
from taking drugs intravenously. These academics feel
that unless resolute steps are taken to control and pre-
vent the spread of AIDS in Nakhon Pathom Province,
within 10 years, more than 100,000 people here could
have this disease.