19,2, although this varies widely between regions, with KwaZulu- Natal registering figures of 40% and the Western Cape only 18%. (Statistic from www.avert.org) ART Treatment Almost half the people (47%) living with HIV in South Africa are receiving ART, an increase of more than 15% compared to 2012. ART becomes available according to the CD4 count of an infected person. The CD4 cells fight germs and infections and are attacked by HIV, so that the lower the CD4
This has expanded the ART programme significantly.
Hands Up for #HIVPrevention This year, UNAIDS is launching a new strategy to take us to 2021 with three main goals: » Fewer than 500 000 people newly infected with HIV » Fewer than 500 000 people dying from AIDS-related causes » Elimination of HIV-related discrimination
Last year, the World Health Organisation published new guidelines, recommending that HIV victims should receive ART upon diagnosis, regardless of their CD4 count. South Africa has already begun to implement this recommendation. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Towards the end of 2015, South Africa took the bold step of initiating pre-expose prophylaxis (PrEP) which is the use of ARVs to protect people as yet HIV- negative, but at risk of exposure
The theme for World Aids Day 2016 is “Hands Up for #HIVPrevention.”
A civilised society is a caring society. We need to set aside perceptions and prejudices
Almost half the people (47%) living with HIV in South Africa are receiving ART, an increase of more than 15% compared to 2012.
and look squarely at the consequences this epidemic has on individuals, families and communities. Social stigma nearly always has its roots in ignorance and fear – but the truth about Aids is that every sexually active person could be infected by the disease. World Aids Day provides
count, the worse HIV has become. Previously, people were eligible for ART when their CD4 count stood at 200, showing that the disease had already advanced significantly. In 2012, the level was changed to 350 and in 2014 to 500, meaning that the disease could be treated much earlier in its development.
to the virus. Such categories include men who have sex with men, young women and girls in high HIV-prevalent areas. South Africa is the first country in sub- Saharan Africa to take this bold step to combat the spread of HIV/ AIDS.
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