Brasília, 20 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Brazil and Senegal signed yesterday a protocol of intentions for cooperation in health, especially sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS. According to the Foreign minister of Senegal, Cheick Tidiane Gadio, the document has three objectives: continue the fight against the HIV virus; lower the number of infections in African nations; and show inhabitants of Africa that it is possible to improve living standards. The protocol will permit a transfer of technology resulting in the possibility of manufacturing drugs to combat AIDS and other diseases in Africa.

Senegal has a population of 10 million. Around 1.6% of the population has AIDS. By African standards, that is low. In South Africa there are 5 million people with AIDS, and in Botswana, a fourth of the population has the disease, says Gadio. (AB)