The South African health minister said Thursday that the prevalence of HIV in pregnant women has declined last year. This may indicate that the level of HIV cases are under control in the country.
Preliminary findings of the latest survey of HIV prevalence among pregnant women at public pre-natal clinics showed the decrease, Manto Tshabalala-Msimang said.She said the survey showed HIV prevalence among women had dropped from an estimated 29.2 percent in 2006 to 28 percent last year.
Last year's survey also showed a decrease from the 30.2 percent reported for 2005.
The minister said the new numbers suggest an overall decrease in prevalence of HIV, which causes AIDS.
South Africa has the highest number of HIV sufferers in the world with around 5.5 million of the 47 million population affected by the virus.
Source-AFP
RAS/L
