Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - October 10, 2005
It said this made Zimbabwe the second country in Sub-Saharan Africa -- after Uganda -- to see its HIV infection rate start dropping.
The latest figure emerged from a national survey -- carried out by UNAids, the Centre for Disease Control within the United States Embassy, and several universities.
Health and Child Welfare Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa said the latest figures should not give people a false sense of security as Zimbabwe still had a huge fight on its hands.
HIV-related illnesses continue to kill more than 3 000 people every week while almost every Zimbabwean household has been affected by the pandemic in some way or other.
Parirenyatwa attributed the drop in infection rates to behavioural change.
Surveys had shown that casual sexual encounters were on the decline and so were cases of sexually transmitted infections and diseases.
"Girls are now delaying when it comes to starting sexual activity and almost everyone in the country has an understanding of what HIV is all about," he said.
"Everyone now seems to know the importance of preventing HIV and to an extent are trying their best to avoid getting infected, which should mean they are practising safe sex," he said.
Parirenyatwa said a concerted bid to fight HIV -- which had seen the government, non-government bodies and other organisations working together -- also played a part.
051010
SA051004
Copyright © 2005 - South African Press Association. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the South African Press Association, Cotswold House, Greenacres Office Park, Cnr. Victory & Rustenburg Roads, VICTORY PARK, PO BOX 7766, JOHANNESBURG, 2000; Fax No: +27 11 782-1587/8, Tel No: +27 11 782-1600.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2005. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2005. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .