Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - March 14, 2007
An estimated 55% of those living with HIV in South Africa were women, according to the executive summary of the draft National Strategic Plan on HIV/Aids and Sexually Transmitted Infections for 2007 to 2011. A two-day conference to discuss the plan begins in Boksburg on Wednesday.
Almost 19% of the country's adult population -- aged 15 to 49 -- were infected.
The plan aimed to halve the rate of new HIV infections by 2011, particularly among those aged 15-24.
"Although the rate of the increase in HIV prevalence has in the past five years slowed down, the country is still to experience reversal of the trends," the summary read.
Too many people were still living with HIV and getting infected, and the toll on individuals and households was enormous.
Aids was responsible for about half of the country's orphans. It had increased mortality rates by about 79% between 1997 and 2004.
Those particularly vulnerable to the disease included prostitutes, sexually active gay men, migrants, refugees and intravenous drug users.
Tuberculosis and the emergence of its extreme and multi-drug-resistant strains had caused further complications.
"Double stigma associated with dual infection with TB and HIV has become a deterrent to health-seeking behaviours amongst many South Africans. The effective management of dual infections relies heavily on community-based interventions."
An assessment of the 2000 to 2005 plan concluded that stigma and discrimination remained "unacceptably high" and had been a deterrent to the utilisation of some services. There had also been "serious capacity defects", especially in rural areas.
The plan's two weaknesses had been poor coordination by the South African National Aids Council (Sanac), no clear targets and monitoring framework.
Among the recommendations made for the new plan were to strengthen Sanac's role, increase the contribution of the business sector, and make interventions accessible to the disabled.
In May 2006 Sanac mandated the Health Department to draw up the new plan. The conference would finalise it. It would then be approved at the launch of a restructured Sanac at the end of March.
Among those expected to speak at the conference were acting Health Minister Jeff Radebe and Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.
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