Phaahla concerned over new HIV infections in young people
Health Minister Joe Phaahla says new HIV infections is especially prevalent among young people between the ages of 15 and 24.
Phaahla delivered the keynote address at a World AIDS Day commemoration event in Bloemfontein on Thursday.
Phaahla said government has put in place a catch-up plan for HIV prevention and treatment in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“There has also been the process of developing the new National Strategic Plan for 2023–2028, which places people and communities at the centre of the country's efforts to overcome inequities in the response to HIV, tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted infections, as well as to end AIDS. Substantial progress has been made in this regard through the collaboration of all sectors and partners in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“The draft plan has been published for public comment, and we are set to launch the new plan during the commemoration of World TB Day.
“This will be the last national strategic plan ahead of Agenda 2030 to end AIDS as a public health threat.”
Phaahla said KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga have the highest rate of new infections.
"Again in 2021, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and the Free State provinces had the highest HIV prevalence rates at 18.3 percent, 15.9 percent, and 14.8 percent, respectively, while the Western Cape had the lowest at 8.3 percent, followed by the Northern Cape at 10 percent."
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