Lingle backs arrested candidate
Rep. Brian Blundell says that he also has support from his district in West Maui
By Nelson Daranciang


Gov. Linda Lingle is supporting the re-election of Republican state Rep. Brian Blundell, who was arrested last week for allegedly groping the crotch of an undercover police officer.

"I spoke with him Saturday and again (yesterday), and he's committed to running. And I told him that I support him in his effort," Lingle said yesterday.

Blundell said he has also receiving encouragement from people in his district in West Maui. "There's overwhelming support for my candidacy," he said.

Lingle said she has known Blundell for 25 years and believes he can win


~

Key facts and figures about HIV/AIDS


LONDON (Reuters) - A report from UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, shows almost five million people were infected with HIV in 2003, the highest number in a single year.

Following are some key facts and figures about the disease:

-- The number of people living with HIV/AIDS has increased from 35 million in 2001 to 38 million in 2003. Almost three million people died from the illness in 2003.

-- Sub-Saharan Africa has just over 10 percent of the world's population but is home to almost two-thirds of all people living with HIV, or about 25 million people. An estimated 3 million became infected during the past year.

-- AIDS killed approximately 2.2 million people in Africa in 2003, 75 percent of deaths globally. Seven countries on the continent have prevalence rates above 17 percent. Botswana and Swaziland, with more than 35 percent, have the highest rates.

-- Women have a greater risk of becoming infected than men. In sub-Saharan Africa there are on average 13 infected women for every 10 infected men.