Superinfection on the rise

Cases of people being infected with more than one strain of HIV are becoming increasingly common, the South African HIV/AIDS Conference in Durban heard yesterday. A paper delivered on behalf of the Institute of Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases said those infected with more than one type of HIV tended to get AIDS sooner.

Gender-based violence increases spread of HIV

Women who suffer violence at the hands of their male partners are more likely to become infected with the HI virus, a new South African study confirms.

The challenge of stigma

Stigma associated with HIV/AIDS is exceptionally complex, with far-reaching consequences, social scientists said at a conference on the social aspects of HIV/AIDS research in South Africa this week.

Study of HIV risk in children sounds alarm bells

The first national study of HIV risk in South African children aged between two and 18 has revealed an overall prevalence rate of 5.4 percent.

New HIV/AIDS model reflects significant impact of interventions

Today the Actuarial Society of South Africa released the most recent version of their AIDS and Demographic model for projecting the impact of HIV/AIDS on the South African population. The model, known as the ASSA2002 model, predicts that some five million South Africans are currently infected with HIV. This is about 25% lower than previous estimates. The lower estimates are mainly due to improvements to the model to incorporate more up-to-date evidence that the relationship between antenatal prevalence and general population prevalence in South Africa is not the same as that observed in other African countries, where fertility is much higher than it is in South Africa. However, it is also due in part to the fact that the new model allows for interventions that have been in place for some years (such as increasing use of condoms and improved treatment of STDs).

New Research Report: The needs of orphans and vulnerable children in South Africa

This research was commissioned by the South African National Department of Health to inform an appropriate and co-ordinated response to the needs of children made vulnerable in the context of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in South Africa.

National HIV and Syphilis Antenatal Sero-prevalence Survey 2003

The National HIV and Syphilis Antenatal Sero-prevalence Survey 2003 has been released by the Department of Health.

Durex Global Sex Survey 2004 - Results

Durex has released the results of the 2004 Global Sex Survey. With more than 350,000 respondents, the 2004 Global Sex Survey is the largest sexual health research project undertaken by Durex.

Supporting Youth - Broadening the approach to HIV/AIDS prevention programmes - HIVAN booklet

The aim of many HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns is to pass on information. Yet, even with the right information, many young people do not take steps to protect themselves from infection. As a result, they are often blamed for the problems facing HIV/AIDS prevention.

Report - Critical Review and Analysis of Voluntary Counselling and Testing Literature in Africa

This investigation forms a component of a wider audit of the current status of Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) services in South Africa, which aims to generate analysis and recommendations for the promotion, development and sustainability of these services at a national level.