The prevalence of HIV/Aids appears to be dropping, prompting the Department of Health to express optimism on Wednesday about its prevention programmes.
Preliminary results from a 2006 antenatal survey show a statistically significant decrease in the prevalence of HIV among pregnant women using public hospitals — from 30,2% in 2005 to 29,1% — Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang told reporters.
The decline was mainly among people under the age of 20, followed by those between 20 and 24.
The decline in the under 20s from 15,9% in 2005 to 13,7% in 2006 suggested a possible reduction in new infections in the population.
This also indicated a behavioural change among young people.
Tshabalala-Msimang said her department was excited by the figures, and hoped to continue intensifying prevention programmes to ensure the spread of HIV was slowed.
The survey report would be released ”very soon”.
Regarding antiretroviral treatment (ARV), Tshabalala-Msimang said the cumulative total of patients on ARVs stood at 282 200 at the end of April.
At least 335 public health facilities had been accredited to provide this service, including nine correctional services centres, she said. — Sapa