This according to the South African Medical Association which noted that despite these statistics, the country had made significant strides towards combating the disease.
“We can now proudly boast the largest voluntary HIV/Aids testing and counselling campaigns in the world,” said the associations chairperson Dr Mzukisi Grootboom.
An average of 13 million HIV tests are conducted in South Africa every year.
If anyone chooses to add to this number this World Aids Day by deciding to know their status, all Clicks clinics nationwide will be providing free HIV testing.
The Clicks Helping Hand Trust has been providing free HIV testing and TB screening to disadvantaged South Africans without medical aid every Thursday afternoon since September this year.
Appointments can be made by calling 086 025 4257.
Facts about HIV/Aids in South Africa:
- South Africa has rolled out the largest antiretroviral treatment programme with over 2.7 million people in South Africa receiving antiretroviral treatment.
- Male circumcision has increased to 250 000 a year – a 50-fold increase from 2008.
- Mother-to-child transmission rate has dropped from 9.6 to 2.7 percent.
- The number of new infections remains high.
