HIV infections on the rise in Gauteng - Research

Gauteng has the highest number of new HIV/Aids infections of all nine provinces.

This is according to research by the South African Institute of Race Relations.

Overall‚ its research shows that South Africa has made considerable progress against the scourge of HIV/Aids‚ with a marked decline in the number of new infections since 2009. However‚ it states‚ "an intensified campaign is needed to sustain the gains".

The total number of new HIV infections declined countrywide by 39% – from 437‚705 to 266‚931 – between 2009 and 2016.

IRR analyst Tawanda Makombo said the previously high rate of new HIV infections declined largely as a result of improved HIV/Aids awareness and campaigning strategies in schools‚ hospitals and communities. "Moreover‚ at present‚ condom distribution particularly at universities has intensified to such an extent that students even demand that they be supplied with flavoured varieties."

The Northern Cape showed the biggest improvement between 2009 and 2016‚ with a 57.6% drop in new HIV infections‚ from 5‚557 to 2‚356.

KwaZulu-Natal‚ which had the highest rate of new HIV infections in 2009 (121‚308)‚ achieved a drastic reduction of almost 50% to 62‚117 new infections in 2016‚ the IRR data shows.

While Gauteng’s rate of new infections fell by 27.6% – from 102‚074 in 2009 to 73‚951 in 2016 – it has the highest number of new infections of all nine provinces.

Makombo said that while the overall reduction in HIV infection rates across the country is encouraging‚ there is room for improvement.

“The national Department of Health must intensify HIV/Aids awareness among all South Africans in order to reduce the risk of infection in those at highest risk‚ especially young people."

In addition‚ "Civil society should be more involved in education and support programmes in the fight against HIV and Aids‚" Makombo said.