RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- The number of babies infected with HIV fell significantly in Brazil, while the incidence among people over 50 years old showed a rising tendency, according to a study by the Health Ministry released on Tuesday,

    The research reported a reduction of 51.5 percent in cases of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, which can occur during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding. In 2005, 530 cases were registered in Brazil, down from 1,091 in 1996, while in 2006, the number further decreased to 109.

    Among men from 50 to 59 years old, the HIV incidence rose from 18.2 to 29.8 cases in the 1996-2005 period. Among women at the same age, the rate reached 17.3 in 2005, up from 6 cases in 1996, the report said.

    In terms of Brazil's male population at all ages, the rate showed a slight fall, from 22.5 cases in 1996 to 21.9 cases in 2005. When it came to women of all ages, the rate jumped from 9.3 cases to 14.2 in the period.

    The research also stated a decline in HIV infection among injection drug users (IDU). Considering Brazil's total IDU population, 4,852 cases were reported in 1996, which represented almost one third of all AIDS cases registered in the country at that time. In 2005, the number dropped to 1,418 cases, presenting a reduction of 71 percent.

    According to the Health Ministry, some 600,000 Brazilians now live with HIV/AIDS, a figure that has not risen since 2000.