The latest report of Singapore's health ministry paints a grim picture of HIV cases in the country.

According to the government of Singapore, as compared to the last year, the total number of HIV cases in the country will exceed this year.

Figure out the latest government records: in the first ten months of this year, 382 persons were affected by HIV in the country, while in 2007(whole), 423 cases of this deadly disease were notified.

"It can be expected that the total number of notified HIV cases in 2008 will exceed that of last year", said a government release.

Last year's total was the highest in a single year since records began in 1985.

As of October this year, 124,559 HIV tests were carried out, a 22 per cent increase compared to the same period of last year, during which 102,490 HIV tests were done.

In a bid to stem out the spread of AIDS, the government of Singapore has toughened health laws in the country.

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was first recognized in 1981 and has since become a major worldwide pandemic. AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).