World Aids conference

Cabinet has announced that the country is ready to host the 21st International World Aids Conference from 18 -22 July at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban

“South Africa has invested heavily in its AIDS response in the last six years, resulting in the largest HIV-treatment programme in the world, which has saved millions of lives,” it said in a statement yesterday.

Other achievements include the HIV Counselling and Testing Campaign that tested 18 million South Africans within a period of 18 months.

AIDS-related deaths in South Africa declined from 320 000 in 2010 to 140 000 in 2014, and mother-to-child transmission of HIV was reduced from 70 000 babies in 2004 to less than 7 000 in 2015.

TB deaths have declined from 70 000 in 2009 to less than 40 000 in 2014.

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to launch the National HIV Prevention Campaign for Girls and Young Women at the Royal Agricultural Showgrounds in Pietermaritzburg on Friday.

The three-year campaign will focus on HIV infection, unwanted pregnancies, school drop-out, sexual and gender-based violence, unemployment and a shortage of economic opportunities for girls and young women.

– SAnews.gov.za