South Africa is an extremely diverse country in terms of socio-economic and cultural factors, and there is wide regional variation in prevalence beyond what is expected from different population groups.

South Africa HIV Data at A Glance*

*Epidemiological Fact Sheet on HIV and AIDS Core data on epidemiology and response South Africa 2008 Update

HIV Epidemic Trends

Adult prevalence may seem to have stabilized but this is at high levels (18.1% 2007). Although incidence also seems to have stabilized after drops seen in the early 2000s this is still at a high level – many new infections are happening.

Prevalence and New Infections in South Africa 2001-2007 (Epidemiological Fact Sheet on HIV and AIDS Core data on epidemiology and response Swaziland 2008 Update UNAIDS; Health Systems Trust

HIV prevalence in women of older age groups (30 – 34 years and 35 – 39 years) in the most recent antenatal survey is a concern – prevalence in these groups have increased from 37.0% in 2006 to 40.2%.

In 2007 and 29.30% in 2006 to 33.2% in 2007, respectively. But younger age groups have seen important declines that need to be sustained.

HIV prevalence by age group in antenatal testing from 2005-2007 (The National HIV and Syphilis Prevalence Survey, South Africa 2007 National Department of Health South Africa 2008)