| Summary |
HIV/AIDS continues to be one of the biggest challenges faced by South Africa today,
alongside poverty, joblessness and other social ills that the government is trying hard
to eradicate. In 2001, it was estimated that 4.7 million South Africans were living
with HIV and AIDS, of whom 189 000 were babies. However, all of us remain
affected. The challenges of preventing new infections, providing treatment to the
infected and care to those who are in need of our compassion remain. The past few
months have highlighted the intrinsic link between HIV and poverty as we know
while breadwinners and other family members become affected, families have to
increasingly strive with limited resources to provide medical care whilst at the same
time compromising their access to food, shelter and clothing.
This report is the 13 th in a series of studies on HIV and syphilis prevalence conducted
among pregnant women attending antenatal care in the public sector. The findings
show that while we continue to see a stabilisation in the HIV prevalence rates, and are
encouraged by the continuing declines in syphilis, HIV and STI’s such as syphilis
remain causes for concern and demand more attention and intervention from all of us.
Women are harder hit in Africa than men. The difference between men and women in
terms of susceptibility is pronounced, with women more likely to acquire HIV
infection from an infected partner and also more vulnerable due to unequal gender
relations. Therefore it is important that as we plan our interventions we take
cognisance of both the sex and gender issues that make women more vulnerable.
Clearly these are not only challenges for the health sector, but for society at large.
Increased inter-sectoral involvement and collaboration will ensure success in these
challenges that we face. |
| More Details |
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| Publication Webpage |
http://www.doh.gov.za/docs/reports/ |
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| Keywords |
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