syphilis

The HIV sentinel surveillance data has helped to map the epidemic and monitor HIV infection trends in the country and has served as an advocacy tool, resulting in the mobilization of partners, resources and development of innovative approaches by the national response to HIV and AIDS. The 2011 HIV survey was the 22nd round to be conducted in the country by the Department of Health. The South African antenatal clinic survey is done annually in October to obtain an estimate of the point prevalence for that year. The data set generated from this survey is used by mathematical modelers such WHO/UNAIDS reference group and others to estimate the rate of new HIV infections(incidence) and HIV-associated deaths are derived through mathematical models applied to HIV prevalence estimates.

Surveillance data shows an increasing rate of HIV infections among pregnant women in Mpumalanga, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said on Monday.

Releasing the annual 2011 national antenatal sentinel HIV and syphilis prevalence survey in Pretoria, Motsoaledi said Mpumalanga had shown an increase in estimated HIV prevalence of two percent.

The province had a 34.7 percent prevalence rate in 2009 and the figure has since risen to 36.7 percent, according to the survey compiled by the department of health.

Other increases in prevalence rates were recorded in the Free State, North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi will release the 2010 national antenatal HIV and syphilis survey on Tuesday.

“The survey is used to estimate the national prevalence of HIV and syphilis infection among pregnant women and then establish HIV prevalence estimate among the adult population of 15- to 49-year-olds,” the department said in an earlier statement.

The study is expected to determine the geographical distribution pattern of the diseases among pregnant women who visited antenatal clinics at national and provincial level by both district and age groups.

Last year, the 2009 survey found that the HIV-prevalence among pregnant women was estimated at 29.4 percent.

The National Primary Health Care Survey 2000 constitutes a follow-up of the 1997 and 1998 surveys as part of an ongoing monitoring exercise of the status of PHC provided in fixed clinics. The 2000 survey also establishes a baseline of data on the status of PHC provided by satellite and mobile clinics. It also mirrors the status of PHC provision in the country, and highlights major differences between provinces and in urban and rural settings.