The HIV/AIDS infection rate in the Transnistrian region is fivefold higher than in the other regions of Moldova, Minister of Health Ion Ababii says. According to the minister, a number of 142 new HIV/AIDS cases were reported in the eastern districts of Moldova in the first six months of this year, as against 191 cases in the other districts of the country. The number of registered HIV infected people decreased insignificantly over January-June 2007 – by 11 cases compared with the first half of last year. The rate of transmitting the disease sexually is still high. Seventy-four of the total new cases were discovered in the municipalities of Chisinau and Balti and 117 in rural areas. A number of 22 pregnant women got infected with HIV in the given period, in contrast to 33 women in the same period last year. Under the National Program on the Prophylaxis and Combating of HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases for 2006 – 2010, the HIV-infected people receive antiretroviral treatment free of charge. The newborns are provided with free artificial food. Some 428 persons undergo antiretroviral treatment, including 41 in penitentiaries.