South Africa
Country Situation
Adult HIV prevalence (ages 15-49) in South Africa, estimated at 17.8% in 2009, has remained relatively stable over the last decade[1]. There are considerable regional variations, ranging between 25.8% in KwaZulu Natal and 5.3% in Western Cape in 2008[8]. Prevalence among pregnant women (25.6%) is significantly higher than the prevalence in the general adult population.
South Africa has successfully taken its national PMTCT program to scale, but HIV remains one of the leading causes of maternal and child mortality. More than 95% of pregnant women were tested for HIV in 2010[9], and over 95% of pregnant women with HIV received ARVs for PMTCT in 2011[3]. However, only 68% of HIV-exposed infants were receiving ARVs for PMTCT in 2010[9].
South Africa has adopted WHO Option A regimen for prophylaxis and a costed national PMTCT scale-up plan is in place[10]. Given the good service coverage in terms of ANC, skilled delivery, and PMTCT, South Africa is well placed to achieve Global Plan targets by 2015.
Link to the South Africa_National EMTCT Plan_2011.
Link to the South Africa Ministry of Health.
