SOUTH Africa's response to HIV-Aids continued to dominate the debate at the 18th Aids Conference in Vienna.
On Wednesday the country was again praised for its efforts in the fight against the pandemic, especially when it comes to prevention and treatment.
At present South Africa is leading the world in providing antiretroviral treatment.
More than 1million people are on ART, which accounts for about 20percent of people receiving HIV treatment in the world.
The number is expected to increase as the country prepares to implement the latest WHO guideline, which calls for earlier treatment for people with HIV.
The WHO previously recommended starting HIV treatment when a person's CD4 count drops below 200, but now advises treatment at 350 CD4 count or less for all people infected with HIV.
South Africa had already begun treating HIV at the level of 350 CD4 count but only in pregnant women. The process started in April this year and as a result the number of people on ART increased.
Former US president Bill Clinton, who is attending the conference, said he was happy with progress in South Africa.
UNAids executive director Michel Sidibe said the country had intensified its response to HIV and the results were showing.
World hails SA
SOUTH Africa's response to HIV-Aids continued to dominate the debate at the 18th Aids Conference in Vienna.
On Wednesday the country was again praised for its efforts in the fight against the pandemic, especially when it comes to prevention and treatment.
At present South Africa is leading the world in providing antiretroviral treatment.
More than 1million people are on ART, which accounts for about 20percent of people receiving HIV treatment in the world.
The number is expected to increase as the country prepares to implement the latest WHO guideline, which calls for earlier treatment for people with HIV.
The WHO previously recommended starting HIV treatment when a person's CD4 count drops below 200, but now advises treatment at 350 CD4 count or less for all people infected with HIV.
South Africa had already begun treating HIV at the level of 350 CD4 count but only in pregnant women. The process started in April this year and as a result the number of people on ART increased.
Former US president Bill Clinton, who is attending the conference, said he was happy with progress in South Africa.
UNAids executive director Michel Sidibe said the country had intensified its response to HIV and the results were showing.
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