“South Africa is currently implementing the largest antiretroviral treatment programme in the world. This is a very positive development. Unfortunately, with over 400 000 new HIV infections occurring in 2012, South Africa also ranks first in HIV incidence in the world. There is a need to balance treatment and prevention efforts in the country,” cautioned Professor Thomas Rehle, Director & Senior Programme Advisor in the HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB (HAST) programme and Principal Investigator of the study.
Statistics released on 2nd April by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) show we are still deep in the trenches of HIV in South Africa.
The Minister of Health, Dr Motsoaledi, stated that the current government supplied “Choice” condoms will be replaced with a “new type of condom that will bring excitement”.
The new versions will be flavoured and coloured.
According to the report the HIV incidence rates among women are of particular concern.
The HIV incidence rate among female youth aged 15-24 years was over 4 times higher than for males in this age group.
The DTHF Research Centres are advancing studies that will provide more HIV prevention options, especially for women and youth.
For more information visit the HSRC website.
