“The HIV infection rate has declined among pregnant women in the Republic of Congo from 3.4 percent in 2009 to 2.8 percent in 2012, according to a study by the Ministry of Health, which said it had taken specific action to help this section of the population,” PlusNews reports. “‘This significant decrease is due to many innovative and effective actions: screening using a mobile unit, as well as HIV/AIDS fairs throughout Congo to help inform young people about their vulnerability,’ said Health Minister François Ibovi,” the news service writes. Michel Bitemo, the UNAIDS monitoring, evaluation and strategic information adviser in Brazzaville, said aiming for universal knowledge about HIV/AIDS and continued funding are important to maintain progress against the epidemic, according to PlusNews. “At the last session of the National Council for the Fight against AIDS, the authorities recommended setting up a response fund” for HIV/AIDS, the news service notes (1/18).