South African HIV prevention efforts paying dividends: 700 000 infections averted and delayed

The infections averted or delayed in 2005 resulted in huge cost savings, estimated at over USD 280 million and showed that 64,2% of sexually active South Africans, or 16.7 million people are practising some form of HIV prevention behaviour.

The study re-analysed the Human Sciences Research Council/Nelson Mandela Foundation 2005household study data, and looked at prevalence, prevention behaviours and the degree to which people had been exposed to national mass media AIDS communication programmes, Khomanani, lovelife, Soul City, Soul Buddyz, Tsha-Tsha, Siyayinqoba and Takalani Sesame Street.

The study's authors Dr Warren Parker from CADRE and Dr Larry Kincaid from Johns Hopkins said the study provided evidence that prevention works and more investment should be made to continue and strengthen prevention interventions.

Dr Parker said: “Every dollar allocated to prevention is highly effective.” But, he added, mass media need to be complemented with greater personal communication and especially in geographic areas with higher incidence of HIV.

Other major findings of the survey were:

· Men (69%) are more likely than women (60%) to take some action to prevent HIV infection.

· While consistent condom usage remains low, there has been a major generational cultural shift, with young people showing the way. Condom use at first sex amongst youth is 49% for males and 43% for women - double that of older groups (20% for males and 12% for females).

· However, faithfulness to a single trusted partner, is lower amongst females and youth. Only 31% of females report being faithful with a trusted partner, compared to 42% of males. Amongst youth, 31% and 32% respectively report being faithful.

· The study also showed strong correlation between alcohol and substance abuse and the number of concurrent partners. Those who report drinking 4-5 alcoholic drinks at a time are significantly less likely to practice HIV prevention and are more likely to have higher numbers of concurrent partners and more likely to be living with HIV.

Dr Kincaid said: “We believe that prevention efforts would have even greater effect with a dedicated focus on partner reduction and perceptions of risk. They also need to address the effects of alcohol use - it really is a social lubricant that influences sex and HIV.”

The analysis commissioned by Johns Hopkins University/ JHU Program in South Africa with funding by USAID was conducted in partnership with the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health Centre for Communication Programs (JHU-CCP) and the Centre for AIDS Development Research & Evaluation (CADRE).

Issued on behalf of Johns Hopkins University / JHU Program in South Africa