DAR ES SALAAM, Dec 31 (AFP) - Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa on Friday welcomed the new millennium by urging Tanzanians to intensify the fight against AIDS, saying the disease had now taken on alarming proportions.

"We must openly declare the war on this killer disease, mostly caused by promiscuity, let us not feel shy to talk about it and look for means to solve the problem," Mkapa said in a traditional New Year address to the nation.

In his message, broadcast live by the state-owned Radio Tanzania, Mkapa said that at least two million Tanzanians were estimated to have been infected by HIV, while 600,000 others have developed AIDS.

Tanzania's population is currently estimated at 32 million people.

"We must change our behavior by leading decent lives and enhance public education on protection. This is likely to reduce new infections," Mkapa added.

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