AIDS Epidemic Yet to Peak

GENEVA - United Nations officials report the AIDS virus epidemic, which has already infected an estimated 36 million people, is still growing rampantly.

There are more people infected in southern African than previously believed possible. Additionally, officials note that without proper precautions India, China and Indonesia will be the next countries to face millions of deaths from the disease.

Eastern Europe has the fastest infection growth rates, with 250,000 new cases last year.

They estimate some 70 million people will die during the next 20 years from the disease. This staggering statistic is blamed on lack of recognition by some countries and by a changing attitude in developed nations. The report says young people account for nearly half of all new infections. A recent American study highlighted a growing attitude among young urban gays that AIDS is a fact of life and drug cocktails can prolong their lives if necessary.

Information from www.msnbc.com