Decline seen in new HIV infections
South Africans are urged to continue going to find out their HIV/Aids status so they can make better choices.
The number of new HIV infections has decreased over the last decade, according to a study by the International Labour Organisation.
This study information was given by the Department of Labour Minister, Mildred Oliphant recently, saying this was due to key interventions such as behaviour change, communications, condoms, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, male medical circumcision campaign and other preventative measures.
Oliphant said other studies in the world have also showed that in 2013 the world registered 2.3 million new HIV infections which is a 33 percent decrease from 2001.
She said the Global Fund said the drop in the number of new infections is not only due to increased prevention but correlates with an increase in number of people getting HIV treatment.
The Isizinda Sempilo Organisation (ISO) has shared their joy of this information, saying this showed that the work of government, departments of health and organisation were helping.
Coordinator of HIV/Aids Counselling and Testing at the ISO Nomsa Mafika said: “Over the years we have been happy to see more of our people getting informed and getting tested.
“Though more work still needs to be done, many organisations in our country are working together to take these services of HIV/Aids counselling and testing and information closer to the people.
“It is also important for us to continue going to the community and give them knowledge on HIV/Aids as information keeps changing.”
Mafika said the government has made great progress on education and access of HIV/Aids testing and they trust that this will continue making a difference in the communities in the country.
She said they also encourage residents to continue going to find out their status whether negative or positive, so they can make better choices.
