Fact Sheet: USAID HIV/AIDS Programs in South Africa

21 May 2001

Fact Sheet: USAID HIV/AIDS Programs in South Africa

South Africa is one of Africa's most affected countries

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) issued a fact sheet May 21 on HIV/AIDS programs in South Africa.

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell will discuss the Bush administration's HIV/AIDS policy and observe efforts to fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic during his May 22-28 visit to Mali, South Africa, Kenya, and Uganda.

Following is the text of the fact sheet:

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U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
FACT SHEET
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
http://www.usaid.gov
Contact: USAID Press Office
(202) 712-4320

2001-066
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 21, 2001

USAID: HIV/AIDS PROGRAMS IN SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa is among the countries worst affected in the world by HIV/AIDS.

-- At the end of 1999, an estimated 20 percent of South Africans, or 4.2 million adults and children, are living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa.

-- Every day in South Africa, an estimated 1,700 people acquire new HIV infections.

-- AIDS will increase the infant mortality rate in the five years by 26 percent.

-- As of 1999, 420,000 South African children had been orphaned by AIDS.

-- By 2010, life expectancy in South Africa is estimated to be about 45 years with AIDS, as compared to close to 70 years without AIDS.

The U.S. Agency for International Development will spend $9.4 million on HIV/AIDS programming in South Africa in FY 2001. USAID funds support the increased use of essential primary health care and HIV/AIDS prevention and mitigation services and practices. The Centers for Disease Control has a preliminary FY 2001 budget of $8 million for HIV/AIDS in South Africa.

Prevention: In South Africa, USAID is working to increase access to prevention services, and increase demand for prevention and mitigation services.

Orphans: An orphans and vulnerable children strategy for South Africa has been developed. USAID provides the Nelson Mandela Children's' Fund with a grant to expand prevention, care, and support to vulnerable communities. In South Africa, as of 1999, 420,000 children had been orphaned by AIDS.

Research: Voluntary counseling and testing, mother-to-child transmission, therapeutic interventions, and behavioral interventions are being further examined through research and expanded through community based programs through a cooperative agreement with the Perinatal HIV/AIDS Research Unit at Baragwanath Hospital.

The U.S. Agency for International Development is the U.S. government agency that provides development and humanitarian assistance worldwide.

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