HIV rate continues to rise in Swaziland

The HIV prevalence rate continues to rise in Swaziland despite increased efforts to stop the spread of the virus, Toronto's Globe and Mail reports. In 2002, 38.6% of the nation's residents were HIV-positive; in 2004 that percentage rose to 42.6%. Swaziland has the highest HIV prevalence rate in the world. The country's government has significantly boosted spending on HIV education and prevention campaigns since 2002, and the continued rise in infections has shocked Swazi health officials. They say HIV continues to be spread through the nation's traditional practice of polygamy and by cultural practices that prevent condom use.