SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa’s AIDS epidemic is one of the worst in the world. It is a generalized epidemic, affecting all segments of society. In 2005, the Human Sciences Research Council released updated information on HIV prevalence and HIV-related risk behaviors. Of the study population, 10.8 percent were HIV-positive. The findings on behavior change showed that nearly half of all men and more than one-third of women over 15 years of age reported behavior change, including abstaining from sex, being faithful to one partner, reducing the number of sexual partners, and using a condom. These behavior changes may be related to strong prevention programs implemented by a wide range of stakeholders, including the South African Government, non-governmental organizations, and faith-based organizations. However, HIV data gathered in the country’s extensive antenatal clinic surveillance system suggest that HIV prevalence has not yet reached a plateau, and is still increasing among certain population groups.

(source: PEPFAR Country Profile, June 2008)