Health authorities nationwide were told on Monday to improve coordination with their education counterparts and tell schools regularly of HIV infection among their students to better fight increasing cases of the disease.

Education authorities should be told by health authorities of any HIV infection among students at schools within their jurisdiction at least every six months, the nation's top health body said.

This will enable better cooperation in taking measures to combat the disease, according to a circular issued by the National Health and Family Planning Commission and the Ministry of Education.