final program.qxd - Parallels Plesk Panel

PP 1.13
Prevalence of HIV in Mthatha area of South Africa, as estimated from testing of rape
victims
BANWARI MEEL, MD.
Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, P/Bag X1 Unitra, Mthatha 5117, South Africa. Tel: 047
502 2963, Fax: 047-502 2107 E-mail: meel@getafix.utr.ac.za
Background
There are tremendous challenges remaining in the field of HIV education, prevention and
care in South Africa. There are conflicting reports on the prevalence of HIV from two studies.
Antenatal surveillance (DOH, 2004) showed 29.5% prevalence whereas National
HIV survey (National Survey 2005) showed only 10.8%. There is a need of a third estimate
in such a situation.
Objective
To estimate HIV prevalence and incidence in Mthatha area of South Africa.
Methods
Retrospective review of HIV testing results among victims of sexual assault who
presented first time to the Sinawe Referral Centre, Mthatha General Hospital, for the
period 2001 - 2005 (inclusive).
Results
Between 2001 and 2005, 1691 victims of sexual assault presented to Sinawe Referral
Centre. Of these 1435 (84.8%) were tested for HIV at the time of first consultation. One
hundred and ninety seven (13.7%) were found HIV seropositive on the screening test. In
a space of 3 years (2001 - 2004), there was an increase in the prevalence of HIV
positivity from 0.9% to 6.4%. There was also an increase in the young age groups
between 16 and 25 years. The highest HIV prevalence (26.9%) was found in age group
of 16 to 20 years.
POSTERS
Conclusion
There is high prevalence of HIV infection, and just over a half (50.8%) of HIV positive rape
survivors were aged 16 - 25 years.
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