The lights of the bars in Fort Dauphin stay bright long after the rest of the countryside around has darkened. Mineworkers and other foreign contractors mingle with local people to drink and dance in this remote part of Madagascar. Sure, there's prostitution here," says one South African mineworker, sitting at a table with three young Malagasy women. "With lots of single men away from their families, it's bound to happen." Francesca, who works at one of the bars, is anxious about her health. "I've had relationships with foreigners, but only for love. I am worried about sexually transmitted diseases," she says, talking over the loud music. Recent government figures suggest Francesca may be right to be concerned. According to the Ministry of Health, 30% of sexually active adults in Fort Dauphin could have syphilis. The symptoms of syphilis include genital lesions, which increase the risk of HIV transmission between sexual partners. "Syphilis in itself is not a serious thing but if we don't control levels of syphilis in Fort Dauphin then we'll get into real problems with HIV," says Fenosoa Ratsimanetrimanana, head of Madagascar's National Committee to Fight HIV/Aids. Although syphilis can be easily treated in as little as three days, Mr Ratsimanetrimanana says that the disease could allow HIV finally to gain a foothold on the Indian Ocean island. For this reason, the government has decided to declare a state of emergency in the town. SOURCE OF THIS STORY