Swaziland has the highest HIV prevalence in the world at 26.1% (15-49 year olds)[1]. Since the first case of HIV was diagnosed in the country in 1986 the prevalence has increased dramatically from 3.9 percent in 1992 to 42.9 percent in 2004.[2] At the end of 2007 there were 190,000 185,000 people living with HIV, including 15,000 children aged 0-14. HIV prevalence in the 15-24 age group remained steady at 39.4% between 2002 and 2004, but dropped to 34.6% in 2006.[3] A consistent decline of HIV prevalence among pregnant women in the 15-19 year age group (from 32.5% to 26%) was recorded between 2002 and 2006.
The 2006/7 Department of Health Survey shows that women are disproportionately more affected by HIV than men, especially in the age group 15-24 where the HIV prevalence is 22.7% for women compared to 5.9% for men. The prevalence peaks for women in the 25-29 age group with 49,2% and for men in the 35-39 age group with 44,9%. Generally, urban residents are at a higher risk of HIV infection than rural residents.
All women and 99% of men in Swaziland have heard of AIDS. Half of the women (52%) and men (51%) have comprehensive knowledge of the modes of HIV transmission and prevention. More women (22%) than men (9%) have received their HIV test results within the last 12 months.
