DPRK marks World AIDS Day

PYONGYANG, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Monday held a meeting to mark World AIDS Day, which fell on Dec. 1, although the country has declared itself HIV/AIDS free, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Health ministry officials and representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO) participated in the meeting on HIV/AIDS prevention in the country.

"Speakers said that it is a common task facing all countries of the world to prevent and exterminate AIDS. They stressed the need to continuously intensify the hygienic information service and surveillance activities in order to prevent virus contagion and spread," said the KCNA.

The participants heard technical data on the pathological characteristics of AIDS and preventive steps, according to the KCNA.

The DPRK declared itself HIV/AIDS free in 2015, while continuing to work together with international organizations to prevent any possible outbreak.

While international travel is rare for DPRK citizens, there is no obligatory blood test at Pyongyang international airport as well as road and railway international travel check points.

It is not known whether DPRK travelers abroad are required to have blood tests after returning home. Enditem