South Africa : HIV on the decline in Limpopo

By Nthambeleni Gabara

Polokwane - While the overall prevalence of HIV in Limpopo is far below the national average of 28 percent, the rate of new infections increasing is still a concern, says Limpopo Premier Sello Moloto.

The province reported a decline of 21.5 percent in 2005 to 18.5 percent in 2007.

Speaking at an event to mark World Aids Day in Senwabarwana, Limpopo on Monday, Mr Moloto said: "The HIV/AIDS prevalence in the province is far below the national average of 28 percent, and is also on the decline."

However, he said their work in fighting the virus was being hampered by an increase in the rate of new infections in certain parts of the province.

"We still believe that our work would continue to be made difficult by the increase in the rate of new infections, in some parts of the province," he said.

However, some districts had shown an increase in HIV prevalence from 2006 to 2007.

The Vhembe District in particular is showing signs of gradual increase in the number of new cases, even though it has one of the lower rates compared to other Districts. The premier said that in 2006, the district was at 14.1 percent and presently is at around 15.2 percent.

"This picture could be very ugly, if we consider that the estimates of HIV prevalence are exclusively based on surveillance among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics, which means that there may very well be many other undetected cases.

"Unfortunately, those who do not know their status cannot access treatment when they have to, and consequently become major sources for the spread of the disease in the community," he said.

Mr Moloto said work continues to be done by government to ensure that treatment is rolled out to thousands of people who are already infected in the province.

To date almost 97 percent of treatment facilities have been accredited to implement comprehensive programme on HIV and AIDS. The number of ant-retroviral (ARV) therapy sites has increased from 37 last year to 47 this year.

"Our intention as government is to implement the comprehensive program on HIV and AIDS in all Health facilities by 2009. This will go a long way to ensure that people living with the disease have access to treatment closer to their homes," he said.

The premier indicated that access to this programme remains one of the most daunting challenges and that during the coming year, efforts will have to be made to ensure that more and more people are able to access the programme.

Notwithstanding all the challenges, Mr Moloto said, South Africa remains one of the few countries in the world which has the largest ARV programme. - BuaNews