This year, an additional 126 Russians tested positive for HIV, and the number with full-blown AIDS has increased to 149, including 92 children, said Mikhail Narkevich, AIDS coordinator at the Health Ministry.
The World Health Organization estimates the actual number of AIDS cases in Russia at as much as 10 times higher, closer to 8,000. Many people in high-risk groups are reluctant to undergo testing.
Vadim Pokrovsky, chairman of the Russian Anti-AIDS Association, said the increase shows the need for "urgent preventive measures,'' Itar-Tass said.
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