By Health Writer
The country's HIV and Aids prevention campaigns are paying off, with more than 700 000 infections averted or delayed in the past three years - a huge cost saving of about R2.8 billion, a survey has revealed.
Carried out by Johns Hopkins University and the Centre for Aids Development Research and Evaluation and re-analysed by the SA Human Sciences Research Council/ Nelson Mandela Foundation 2005 household study data, the study showed that in 2005 at least 64%, or 16.7 million South Africans, were practising some form of HIV-prevention behaviour.
It also found that 69% of men were likely to take precautions, with only 60% of women practising safe sex.
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While condom usage remained low, the survey found there had been a major generational cultural shift, with young people taking a lead in prevention of infections.
Condom use at first sex among youth was found to be 49% for men and 43% for women - double that of older groups, with 20% for men and 12% for women.
However, only 31% of women reported being faithful to a trusted partner, compared with 42% of men.
sipokazi.maposa@inl.co.za
- This article was originally published on page 7 of Cape Argus on November 28, 2008
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