The XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012) is taking place in Washington DC, United States of America from 22 to 27 July. Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe leads the South African delegation to the conference.
The conference theme is “Turning the Tide Together”. This captures the defining moment in the AIDS epidemic where the science tells us we can turn the tide on HIV. South Africa’s theme “Working together we are Turning the Tide” also captures the current sense of hope and the renewed optimism that a change of course in the HIV epidemic is possible through a collective national effort and international collaboration.
The AIDS 2012 programme will present new scientific knowledge and offer many opportunities for structured dialogue on the major issues facing the global response to HIV.
News from the conference
- The courageous story of an HIV-positive mother
- SA has made significant strides in fighting HIV, AIDS
- Address by the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa Kgalema Motlanthe at the opening of the XIX International AIDS Conference
- A success story: another way of looking at the Aids saga in SA
- South Africa expands ARV treatment
- Photo gallery
South Africa's country report on HIV and AIDS
South Africa submitted a Country‘s Report on Global AIDS Response. The report provides feedback on goals agreed upon and progress made in measuring the South African country`s response on HIV and AIDS using global indicators for the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2011. The period under review falls within the timeframe of implementation of the 2007- 2011 National Strategic Plan: HIV & AIDS and STI.
South Africa has a generalised HIV epidemic, which has stabilised over the past four years at a national antenatal prevalence of around 30%. South Africa currently ranks the third highest in the world in terms of the TB burden, with an incidence that has increased by 400% over the past 15 years. There is a wide variation in HIV and TB prevalence by age, race, gender, socio-economic status and geographical location.
The response to HIV and TB falls under key Outcome 2:“Outcome 2:“A long and healthy life for all South Africans”. Delivery on this outcome is led by the health sector. Specific focus is placed on four key outputs namely: increasing life expectancy; reducing maternal and child mortality rates; combating HIV and AIDS and TB; and strengthening the effectiveness of the health system. Outcome 2 has effectively brought together government social sector departments (health, basic education, social development, transport and public works and public service and administration) to bring their comparative advantages to bear towards achievements of the key outputs.
At AIDS 2012, South Africa will profile its comprehensive HIV programmes, and health experts will also deliver papers on various issues around education, monitoring, policy, prevention and treatment of HIV.
Read more about South Africa's programmes and government's views on HIV and AIDS and the conference.
