While SA makes progress in curbing spread of HIV, Gauteng has highest number of new infections
Gauteng has the highest number of new HIV/AIDS infections of all nine provinces, according to research by the South African Institute of Race Relations (IRR).Overall‚ its research shows that SA has made considerable progress against HIV/AIDS‚ with a marked decline in the number of new infections since 2009. However‚ it states that "an intensified campaign is needed to sustain the gains".The total number of new HIV infections declined countrywide by 39% — from 437‚705 to 266‚931 — between 2009 and 2016.IRR analyst Tawanda Makombo said the rate of new HIV infections declined largely as a result of improved HIV/AIDS awareness and campaigning strategies in schools‚ hospitals and communities."Moreover‚ at present‚ condom distribution particularly at universities has intensified to such an extent that students even demand that they be supplied with flavoured varieties."The Northern Cape showed the biggest improvement between 2009 and 2016‚ with a 57.6% drop in new HIV infections‚ from 5‚5...
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