The Gauteng MEC for Health Hope Papo has welcomed the 2012 Household Survey Report by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) which confirms the dramatic increase of antiretroviral treatment (ARV) coverage in Gauteng; leading to the well documented major impact on the survival of people living with HIV and increased life expectancy.
The MEC said the report, which was released yesterday tells a good story about the work of the public sector health services and the multi-sectoral response to HIV in the province. More people living with HIV are living longer because of the large ARV treatment programme, which is offered in most clinics and hospitals of Gauteng.
This is the 4th national population-based household survey conducted to assess the state of the HIV epidemic; these surveys collect information on HIV infection status, and the social and behavioural factors that greatly enhance the understanding of observed trends in HIV infection rates in Gauteng.
The latest survey also assesses the extent of antiretroviral treatment use among people living with HIV in the province, and will contribute significantly to the evidence base that informs how the Gauteng Department of Health plans for and executes interventions to prevent new HIV infections, and keep people who are living with HIV alive and well. The department is thankful that the HSRC and all its partners continue to provide this invaluable service with scientific rigour and credibility.
Another key finding of the report is the significant decline in HIV prevalence among youth in Gauteng aged 15 - 24 years from 9.0% in 2005 to 10.1% in 2008 and 5.8% in 2012. This is an encouragement to the department as it continues to prioritize health interventions among youth in order to prevent new HIV infections. Almost half of adult males resident in Gauteng in 2012 self-reported being circumcised; another important provincial strategy for HIV prevention.
Guided by the Turnaround Strategy, the department is currently rolling out various interventions to address current challenges that are identified in the report; including a reduction in condom use, and the increasing number of people who do not have correct knowledge about HIV.
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
Twitter: @gautenghealth
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