Share

Gauteng reduces Aids deaths

Aids-related deaths have been reduced by a fifth in Gauteng, the provincial health department said.

"HIV infection among pregnant mothers has stabilised around 30% and TB incidence rates have dropped from 424 people per 100 000 in 2006 to 239 per 100 000 in 2010," spokesman Simon Zwane said. The province had developed a new plan that aimed to halve HIV infections and provide 80% of eligible people with antiretroviral treatment.

"Currently there are 500 000 people on antiretroviral therapy in the province, and the number of people dying from HIV and Aids [related] complications has dropped by 20%."

The TB cure rate had also shown a significant improvement, from 64% in 2005 to 79% in 2010.

Hope to halve TB rate

"The new plan seeks to build on these successes by reducing the number of new TB infections further, and cutting the number of TB deaths by 50% by 2016."

The province planned to step up its HIV counselling and testing campaign in the next four years, to ensure three million people were tested each year.

(Sapa, July 2012)

Read More:

Symptoms and phases of HIV infection & Aids

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE