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
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.
RELATED ARTICLES
China Steps Up Fight Against Spreading Epidemic
Iranian Brothers Change The Face Of HIV, Drug-Addiction Treatment
Drug-Treatment Effort Targets HIV/AIDS In Afghanistan
Tatarstan Clinic Is Bold Exception In Russia's HIV Battle
Fourteen Kazakh Children Infected With HIV In Hospitals
UNAIDS Head On Epidemic In CIS
Russia's 'Miss Positive' Puts Public Face On Battle With HIV/AIDS