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War against HIV-Aids can be won

JOIN HANDS: From left, MEC for health and social development in Limpopo, Seaparo Sekoati, Limpopo premier Sello Moloto, health minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang and Deputy President Pumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka light candles during the World Aids Day held at Mahwelereng Stadium in Limpopo on Saturday. Pic. Elijar Mushiana. © Sowetan.
JOIN HANDS: From left, MEC for health and social development in Limpopo, Seaparo Sekoati, Limpopo premier Sello Moloto, health minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang and Deputy President Pumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka light candles during the World Aids Day held at Mahwelereng Stadium in Limpopo on Saturday. Pic. Elijar Mushiana. © Sowetan.

Alex Matlala

Alex Matlala

The fight against the spread of HIV-Aids seems to be gaining grounds, if government statistics are anything to go by.

So said Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka at the national World Aids Day celebrations in Mahwelereng on Saturday.

She told the more than 15000 people at the stadium: "More and more South Africans seem to be listening to the messages of government about the disease.

Mlambo-Ngcuka said the statistics on the HIV-Aids infection rate show there is light at the end of the tunnel .

For example, the rate of HIV infection among pregnant women has gone down - from 29% in 2006 and 30,2% in 2005.

A total of 370 000 people were registered for antiretroviral therapy by September this year; three quarters of whom were children under the age of 14.

Government has also increased the annual HIV-Aids budget from R2 million in 2000 to R2,1 billion this financial year.

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