KATHMANDU, April 19 (Xinhuanet) -- The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) signed a memorandum of understanding on HIV/AIDS prevention Monday at the SAARC secretariat based here.

    The two organizations have agreed to mutually cooperate to helptheir member countries to strive towards the goals for HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support for those infected and affected by the fatal disease, according to a press release issued by the SAARC secretariat.

    Research, analysis and dissemination of information are to be promoted on enhancing technical cooperation and human resources development, including in respect for programs for vulnerable groups -- young people, intravenous drug users, mobile populationsand trafficked people, especially women, the press release added.

    About half a million population of South Asia have been affected by HIV/AIDS. Enditem