North Korea claims complete success in AIDS fight

SEOUL, Dec 1 (Reuters) North Korea has relied on the wise leadership of Kim Jong-il to make sure there have been no outbreaks of AIDS in the reclusive country, its official media reported today.

North Korean media, which often gives glowing reports of Kim offering expert guidance on subjects as varied as cobbling shoes, firing howitzers and irrigating fields, said its Dear Leader has been deeply concerned about AIDS.

''Under the wise guidance of leader Kim Jong-il, the DPRK (North Korea) established the strategy of prevention and control of AIDS with orderly systems of its information, prognostication and watch, and examination across the country,'' an official newspaper said.

''On this basis, measures have been taken not to allow a single AIDS case,'' Minju Josun said in a report carried on the English-language KCNA news agency.

UNAIDS said it has no definitive data on AIDS in North Korea, one of the world's most secretive states.

The U N programme estimated that by 2002 fewer than 100 cases of HIV infection had occurred in the country of just over 22 million.

REUTERS PDM BS1509