SA losing battle against Aids: Unicef

Surveys show that risky sexual behaviour is on the increase in South Africa

The United Nations Children's Agency (Unicef) says South Africa is losing the battle against Aids as the numbers treated for the disease are constantly outstripped by those becoming infected and dying.

The warning came from Unicef's representative in the country, who said the devastating effects of Aids were sending out a dire message for the future. Unicef recently accused South Africa of neglecting most of the 100 000 children born every year with HIV/Aids and claims half of them are likely to die before the age of two.

Unicef executive director Ann Veneman called on both government and community leaders to end what she calls a state of denial and to recognise the magnitude of the problem. She said only 15% of the children receive adequate treatment. Veneman said 400 000 South Africans die of Aids-related illnesses every year.

A recent survey also found that only 60% of Aids patients in Africa still take the drugs they need to stay alive two years after starting treatment. The study was carried out by American researchers in 13 African countries. The survey of patients receiving HIV medication in sub-Saharan Africa has found that more than one third of them die. It found that many patients were too late to take up anti-retroviral drugs, while for some it was impractical to travel to distant clinics.