HIV infections down, but still 230,000 new cases in 2017 – HSRC



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A new report, published by the Human Science Research Council, on the prevalence and incidence of HIV in South Africa, showed a significant decline in new infections in 2017, compared to a similar survey there is five years.

She found that consistent condom use was low, early badual debut before the age of 15 had increased among men, and more than one-third of young women had bad with older men. "It is disturbing to note that very little change in behavior seems to have occurred since 2012," said Dr. Mpumi Zungu of the HIV / AIDS, STIs and Tuberculosis (HAST) Research Program of the World Health Organization. Commission and co-principal investigator (PI) of the survey

"This suggests that most of the reduction in new infections was likely due to the impact of the expanded ARV treatment program", she said.

Decrease in Incidence Rates

The survey was low Between January and December 2017, 33,000 people agreed to be tested for HIV.

The survey found a significant decline in incidence rates, but new HIV infections are estimated in sub-Saharan Africa in 2017.

The researchers said that although still high, it was down sharply from 2012.

The survey found that the HIV incidence rate was higher among women ages 15-24.

Dr. Sizulu Moyo of the HAST research program, and one of the co-PI of the study, said that the survey had revealed that more than 60% or about 4.4 million She said the study also found that viral suppression was 87.3% among PHAs who were on antiretroviral therapy, with women generally more likely to be virally suppressed than men living with HIV (PLHIV). aged 15 to 64 years old. [19659002] Campaigns Help

"This suggests that progress is being made in increasing antiretroviral coverage, however, more needs to be done to link HIV-positive people to care as soon as they are tested, According to the badysis of Moyo

the survey found that communication campaigns on social and behavioral change – such as those implemented by Soul City, the Center for l '; Communication Impact (CCI), LoveLife The study found that people who were highly exposed to these campaigns reported higher HIV testing, condom use, and correct knowledge of HIV. compared to those with low or no exposure.

Image credit: iStock

Jan Bornman



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