PHNOM PENH -- The number of Cambodians who tested HIV positive dropped in 2007, even though more people have come in to be tested, local media reported Tuesday.

According to figures from the latest report from the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology and STDs (NCHADS), the number of people taking an HIV test jumped to nearly 300,000 last year, with five percent of them testing positive, the Mekong Times newspaper said.

In 2006, only about 230,000 people were tested, while seven percent were HIV positive, it added.

NCHADS President Mean Chhivon attributed the reduction in the number of HIV carriers to people being more aware of the disease and to there being a mushrooming of HIV voluntary testing and counseling centers throughout the country, the newspaper said.