Zimbabwe's estimated HIV infection rate has dropped to 13.7% in people ages 15-49, down from 14.1% last year, according to health minister Henry Madzorera. However, concerted efforts are needed to push the rate down further, he says. "We have to redouble our efforts and commitment and keep the sense of hope that indeed one day we will get to the single-digit prevalence," Madzorera was quoted by the state-run NewZiana news agency as saying. Zimbabwe is one of a few countries in the world to have recorded a sharp decline in HIV prevalence. In 1999, the country's prevalence stood at 33%. While government and donor-supported prevention campaigns have made inroads in cutting infection rates, Zimbabwe's economic collapse has also made it more difficult for people to maintain multiple sex partners.

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