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Survey shows decline in HIV among pregnant women
Anso Thom - Health-e
2007-06-11

Government has claimed first evidence of a decline in South Africa's HIV/AIDS epidemic after its annual survey among pregnant women showed a statistically significant reduction of HIV prevalence between 2005 and 2006.

According to the latest survey the national HIV prevalence among pregnant women stands at 29,1%, compared to 30,2% in 2005.

Health minister Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang announced the results during her budget speech in Parliament yesterday (Wed). The minister claimed the decline was mainly as a result of "our continued focus on prevention as the mainstay of our response to combat HIV and lead to an HIV free society".

A total of 33 033 women from 1 415 health facilities participated in the survey * this is double the number of 2005.

The report said the HIV prevalence rates had been stable for several years, evidence of a decline.

According to the survey there were statistically significant decreases in three provinces * Mpumalanga , NorthWest and Gauteng . The Free State was the only province which remained stable, but showed a tendency towards an increase.

In KwaZulu-Natal around four out of 10 pregnant women seeking care in the public sector are estimated to be HIV positive.

HIV prevalence in the under twenties was at 13,7% in comparison to 15,9% in 2005. The health department said this reduction indicated a decline in new infections in the population.

Similarly HIV prevalence in the 20 to 24 year age group was at 28%, almost two percent lower than 2005.

The department expressed some concern over the slight increase in the older age groups, but said the increases were not statistically significant.

After causing a fracas at the Durban AIDS conference by withdrawing at the last minute, Tshabalala-Msimang wished the conference successful deliberations, discussions and outcomes.

The summary of the 2006 National HIV and Syphilis Survey is available at http://www.doh.gov.za/docs/hivsummary-f.html.

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