Figures for HIV infection published last year showed 33.6 million adults and children affected worldwide, with an estimated 1.7 million of those living in Latin America and the Caribbean. These figures are a reminder of the risks of transmission of this disease. HIV can be transmitted through casual unprotected sexual intercourse, the administration of contaminated blood and blood products, and the use of contaminated needles and syringes. As casual intercourse is risky, the use of a condom is advised. Travellers to HIV endemic areas may wish to consider carrying a sterile needle and syringe kit and joining the Blood Care Foundation which can supply screened blood worldwide.

• To obtain a health brief tailored to your journey call the MASTA Travellers Health Line on 0906 8 224 100 (calls charged at 60p/min). For travel health products call 0113 238 7575 and for general travel health advice and products visit the website www.masta.org