been in the last 14 years.

Figures released yesterday showed that the number of new cases, which began with the figure of 17 in 1985 and rocketed up to 48 in 1995, has dropped down to 16 this year.

And with millions around the globe recognising World AIDS Day today, Government will be focusing on encouraging education and awareness on the issues surrounding the disease.

Designed also to encourage public support and the development of programmes to prevent the spread of the HIV infection, this year's event takes on the theme of "AIDS -- End the Silence, Listen, Learn, Live!'' Government's Chief Medical Officer John Cann explained: "The focus is on open communication about HIV/AIDS, especially among young people.'' "All communities are affected by the continuing spread of AIDS,'' Dr. Cann added. "Worldwide more than half of all people who become infected with HIV acquire the virus when they are under 25 years of age.'' Recent surveys show that 434 people have been diagnosed and reported with AIDS in Bermuda.

"Of these,'' Dr. Cann said, "347 have already died. Forty percent of all cases reported have been in intravenous drug users. Over 29 percent of cases were men who were homosexual or bisexual and 24 percent of cases were reported in heterosexuals.'' Additionally, the tests revealed that Bermudian men were more affected than women.