JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - State health officials say black Missourians have higher AIDS and HIV rates than the rest of thepopulation.

The Missouri Health Department says the number of newly diagnosed HIV cases is more than eight times higher for black people than white people. The disparity is particularly high among black females, which compose 12 percent of Missouri's population but 69 percent of new HIV cases.

State health officials are urging regular testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. The tests are confidential and cost little.