Kazakh authorities say an investigation into the infections of more than 80 people in the South Kazakhstan Province since May indicates the HIV virus was spread through blood transfusions and tainted syringes.
Most of the victims have been children under the age of 3, at least eight of whom have died.
The country's health minister, Yerbolat Dosaev, and the regional governor in Southern Kazakhstan were replaced after news of the infections emerged.
(AP)
RFE/RL Reports On AIDS
An HIV-positive Ukrainian woman and her daughter (epa)
FACES OF THE EPIDEMIC: HIV-infection rates continue to soar in many parts of RFE/RL's broadcast region, from Ukraine and Russia to Central Asia. RFE/RL frequently reports on the problems associated with the pandemic and efforts to combat them.
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