International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

South Africa has exceeded its own antiretroviral therapy (ART) targets by administering the drugs to almost 80 per cent of eligible adults.

A study conducted at the University of Cape Town recorded how between 2007 and 2011, the number of patients receiving ART increased from 47,500 to 1.79 million.

While overall objectives were achieved, there were significant variations among age and gender, with women accounting for 61 per cent, men 31 per cent and children eight per cent of the total.

Lead author Dr Leigh Johnson suggests the lower rate of men starting ART could be due to male perceptions that those who seek medical care are 'weak'.

He also hypothesised that the higher female rate could be attributed to higher rates of HIV diagnosis through antenatal care.

According to the latest statistics from the World Health Organization, up to 420,000 deaths a year in South Africa are due to HIV-related illnesses.

Posted by David Smith