Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - November 6, 2004
The survey is the second to be undertaken in two years, and will help to determine the prevalence of the disease in the country.
It will also help identify the social and economic factor related to HIV infection, including an understanding of individual behaviour.
In a statement from the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Mandela described the findings of the 2002 study as a "watershed in our fight against HIV/Aids".
Dr Olive Shisana, director of the social aspects of HIV/Aids and health at the Human Sciences Research Council, said: "High participation in the study will increase the country's understanding of HIV/Aids as well as enable us to tackle the challenges brought about by the disease."
A total of 15,000 households have been selected throughout the country to participate in the survey, cutting across all races, economic standing and geographical location.
Participation was not compulsory, but co-operation would enable the study group to calculate informed information critical in fighting the pandemic.
"I appeal to all South Africans to participate in this study because if we get the correct information we as a country will be able to plan our destiny, our future better," said Shisana.
She said the information gathered would assist in developing effective strategies and campaigns to combat HIV/Aids.
All persons participating in the study will remain anonymous, with information primarily gathered by means of a questionnaire, and a dry blood spot sample.
Qualified nurses would administer the questionnaire, having taken an oath to maintain and protect the confidentiality of all responses.
"All samples obtained during the dry blood spot tests will be sealed and sent to a laboratory for testing so the nurses visiting households will not know the HIV result of the sample obtained," said Shisana.
She stressed that any information gathered during the study would not be divulged.
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