Despite low numbers of new HIV infections, condom remains the most effective preventative measure, says DENOSA

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DENOSA has reminded communities that despite low numbers of new HIV infections, condom usage remains the most effective preventative measure.

As today, marks the commemoration of the World Aids Day, the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) has reminded communities in general and youth in particular that, despite the country registering low numbers of new HIV infections, condom usage remains the most effective preventative measure.

According to DENOSA, recent study on HIV by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) indicates that new HIV infections are still occurring amongst the youth, especially those between the ages of 15 and 24 years, followed by those between 24 and 35 years.

Spokesperson Sibongiseni Delihlazo, said the study cites low condom usage in these age groups as the main contributory factor to new infections that still take place.

“South Africa remains the world leader in HIV cases in a country, with just over seven million people infected with HIV and on the country’s Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) programme. 

“The recent economic downturn globally, including South Africa, brings along a challenge of low funding for healthcare and HIV prevention programmes, which could potentially spike a rise in new uncontrollable infections. 

“While South Africa has the world’s biggest ART programme, the cost containment measures that the government is preparing to implement in the country are likely to hit the country’s HIV/AIDS management programme the hardest as a sizeable chunk of funds identified for cost-containment measures are those that were planned for the management of HIV/AIDS in provinces and districts,” he added.

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Delihlazo stated that they wish to remind the communities that managing and containing the rise of HIV infections is still in their hands and that failure to take control of this measure is likely to plunge the same communities into high numbers of people living with HIV.

Male condoms are considered a safe and overall effective form of birth control. According to Planned Parenthood, condoms are 98 percent effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly. If used incorrectly, the effectiveness rate drops to about 85 percent.

By contrast, female condoms are 95 percent effective when used correctly. When people do not use them correctly, this figure drops to 79 percent.