22 November 2005
The Department of Health notes the AIDS Epidemic Update Special Report on Prevention released by UNAIDS and World Health Organisation today.
The report emphasises the need to strengthen prevention programmes as a central element of the response to HIV and AIDS. This emphasis is in line with the South African government's policy approach to HIV and AIDS and the resolution of the WHO-Afro regional meeting of Health Ministers held in Maputo earlier this year.
The major challenge in curbing the spread of HIV infection has been the lack of government led interventions before 1994 when the infections rate was already increasing rapidly. It was only after the advent of democracy that tangible efforts were made by government to curb the spread of HIV infection; provide treatment, care and support for those infected and affected; and address the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS.
In the absence of the HIV incidence estimates, the Department of Health has been using HIV prevalence amongst people under 20 years of age as a proxy indicator for HIV incidence, which is an internationally recognised indicator.
The HIV prevalence in this group has not increased over the years as it is correctly noted in the report. The challenge now is to sustain positive sexual behaviour amongst the under-20s into early adulthood and beyond.
In rising up to this challenge, the Department of Health has declared 2006 as the year of accelerated HIV and AIDS prevention. The Department will intensify its prevention and healthy lifestyle programmes to curb the spread of HIV infection and reduce the impact of AIDS in our society through the vigorous implementation of the Comprehensive Plan for Management, Care and Treatment of HIV and AIDS.
Issued by Department of Health
Contact Sibani Mngadi 0827720161