This is according to Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla, speaking on behalf of Deputy president David Mabuza, who did not attend the World Aids Day commemoration in Bloemfontein on Thursday.

In 2021, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and the Free State had the highest HIV prevalence rates, with 18.3%, 15.9%, and 14.8%, respectively.

The Western Cape had the lowest rate at 8.3%, followed by the Northern Cape at 10%.

OFM News previously reported that the estimations suggest that the country records 150 new cases daily among young people between the ages of 15 and 24.

However, Phaahla has also praised the Free State for doing exceptionally well in terms of testing, having already surpassed the 94 percent threshold.

"The overall population served by the public and private sectors in the province is now at 94% of people who are living with HIV knowing their status; 86% of those who know their status are on antiretroviral treatment; and 92% of those who are on treatment are virally suppressed.

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"But it is concerning that three of the province's districts don't meet the goal of increasing the number of people who know their status and get treatment.

"Furthermore, results from the districts of Xhariep and Lejweleputswa demonstrate that people with HIV and on treatment fare poorly on the target of being virally suppressed."

Phaahla says the government is concerned about key issues but has indicated that it will urgently intervene to create a balance among the targets in order to achieve zero new infections by 2030.

"This includes ensuring that services are brought closer to the people and that our health facilities are adequately resourced with medicine and related necessities."

Even though the country's HIV prevalence has remained stable at 13.5% over the last five years, the number of people living with HIV continues to increase every year as the country's population grows.

"The path that our country has taken, as well as our contribution to the mission of achieving the objective of zero AIDS-related deaths, zero new infections, and zero prejudice, has been a difficult one," Phaahla adds.

OFM News