As of 2024, South Africa was the country with the highest number of people living with HIV in Africa. At that time, around 7.8 million people in South Africa were HIV positive. In Mozambique, the country with the second-highest number of HIV-positive people in Africa, around 2.5 million people were living with HIV. Which country in Africa has the highest prevalence of HIV? Although South Africa has the highest total number of people living with HIV in Africa, it does not have the highest prevalence of HIV on the continent. Eswatini currently has the highest prevalence of HIV in Africa and worldwide, with almost 26 percent of the population living with HIV. South Africa has the third-highest prevalence, with around 18 percent of the population HIV positive. Eswatini also has the highest rate of new HIV infections per 1,000 population worldwide, followed by South Africa and Mozambique. However, South Africa had the highest total number of new HIV infections in 2024, with around 170,000 people newly infected with HIV that year. Deaths from HIV in Africa Thanks to advances in treatment and awareness, HIV/AIDS no longer contributes to a significant amount of death in many countries. However, the disease is still the eighth leading cause of death in Africa, accounting for around 4.6 percent of all deaths. In 2024, South Africa and Mozambique were the countries with the highest number of AIDS-related deaths worldwide, with 53,000 and 44,000 such deaths, respectively. Although not every country in the leading 25 for AIDS-related deaths is found in Africa, African countries account for the majority of countries on the list. Fortunately, HIV treatment has become more accessible in Africa over the years, and now up to 94 percent of people living with HIV in Eswatini are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Access to ART does vary from country to country, however, with around 81 percent of people who are HIV positive in South Africa receiving ART and only 34 percent in the Congo.

Among all countries worldwide those in sub-Saharan Africa have the highest rates of HIV. The countries with the highest rates of HIV include Eswatini, South Africa, and Lesotho. In 2024, Eswatini had the highest prevalence of HIV with a rate of around ** percent. Other countries, such as Zimbabwe, have significantly decreased their HIV prevalence. Community-based HIV services are considered crucial to the prevention and treatment of HIV. HIV Worldwide The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a viral infection that is transmitted via exposure to infected semen, blood, vaginal and anal fluids, and breast milk. HIV destroys the human immune system, rendering the host unable to fight off secondary infections. Globally, the number of people living with HIV has generally increased over the past two decades. However, the number of HIV-related deaths has decreased significantly in recent years. Despite being a serious illness that affects millions of people, medication exists that effectively manages the progression of the virus in the body. These medications are called antiretroviral drugs. HIV Treatment Generally, global access to antiretroviral treatment has increased. However, despite being available worldwide, not all adults have access to antiretroviral drugs. There are many different antiretroviral drugs available on the market. As of 2024, ********, an antiretroviral marketed by Gilead, was the leading HIV treatment based on revenue.

Spatial analysis at different levels can help understand spatial variation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, disease drivers, and targeted interventions. Combining spatial analysis and the evaluation of the determinants of the HIV burden in Southern African countries is essential for a better understanding of the disease dynamics in high-burden settings.The study countries were selected based on the availability of demographic and health surveys (DHS) and corresponding geographic coordinates. We used multivariable regression to evaluate the determinants of HIV burden and assessed the presence and nature of HIV spatial autocorrelation in six Southern African countries.The overall prevalence of HIV for each country varied between 11.3% in Zambia and 22.4% in South Africa. The HIV prevalence rate was higher among female respondents in all six countries. There were reductions in prevalence estimates in most countries yearly from 2011 to 2020. The hotspot cluster findings show that the major cities in each country are the key sites of high HIV burden. Compared with female respondents, the odds of being HIV positive were lesser among the male respondents. The probability of HIV infection was higher among those who had sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the last 12 months, divorced and widowed individuals, and women aged 25 years and older.Our research findings show that analysis of survey data could provide reasonable estimates of the wide-ranging spatial structure of the HIV epidemic in Southern African countries. Key determinants such as individuals who are divorced, middle-aged women, and people who recently treated STIs, should be the focus of HIV prevention and control interventions. The spatial distribution of high-burden areas for HIV in the selected countries was more pronounced in the major cities. Interventions should also be focused on locations identified as hotspot clusters.

The average for 2022 based on 48 countries was 3.95 percent. The highest value was in Swaziland: 25.9 percent and the lowest value was in Algeria: 0.1 percent. The indicator is available from 1990 to 2022. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

This dataset provides detailed insights into the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among adults (ages 15–49) across various countries and regions. The data is primarily sourced from the CIA World Factbook and the UNAIDS AIDSinfo platform and reflects the most recent available estimates as of 2022–2024.

What’s Included:

Country/Region – The name of each nation or area.

Adult Prevalence of HIV/AIDS (%) – The percentage of adults estimated to be living with HIV.

Number of People with HIV/AIDS – Estimated count of people infected in each country.

Annual Deaths from HIV/AIDS – Estimated number of HIV/AIDS-related deaths per year.

Year of Estimate – The year the data was reported or estimated.

Key Highlights:

Global Prevalence: Around 0.7% of the global population was living with HIV in 2022, affecting nearly 39 million people.

Hotspots: The epidemic is most severe in Southern Africa, with countries like Eswatini, Botswana, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe reporting adult prevalence rates above 20%.

High Burden Countries:

South Africa: 17.3% prevalence, approximately 9.2 million infected

Tanzania: approximately 7.49 million

Mozambique: approximately 2.48 million

Nigeria: approximately 2.45 million (1.3% prevalence)

Notes:

Data may vary in accuracy and is subject to ongoing updates and verification.

Some entries include a dash ("-") where data was not published or available.

Countries with over 1% adult prevalence are categorized under Generalized HIV Epidemics (GHEs) by UNAIDS.

In 2024, in South Africa, there were around 3.1 HIV newly infected persons per every 1,000 inhabitants. This statistic depicts the countries with the highest incidence rates of new HIV infections worldwide as of 2024.

Data from the individual questionnaires used in the THMIS make it possible to match husbands and wives. In this way, it is possible to tabulate data on the HIV status of couples who weremarried or living together in the same household, so long as both were tested for HIV

Central African Republic CF: Prevalence of HIV: Total: % of Population Aged 15-49 data was reported at 3.400 % in 2022. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3.500 % for 2021. Central African Republic CF: Prevalence of HIV: Total: % of Population Aged 15-49 data is updated yearly, averaging 5.400 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2022, with 33 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 8.000 % in 1997 and a record low of 3.400 % in 2022. Central African Republic CF: Prevalence of HIV: Total: % of Population Aged 15-49 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Central African Republic – Table CF.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Prevalence of HIV refers to the percentage of people ages 15-49 who are infected with HIV.;UNAIDS estimates.;Weighted average;

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIV_adult_prevalence_rate This dataset provides detailed insights into the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among adults (ages 15–49) across various countries and regions 🌐. The data is primarily sourced from the CIA World Factbook and UNAIDS AIDS info platform, and reflects the most recent available estimates as of 2022–2024 📅.

📌 What's Included: Country/Region 🗺️ – The name of each nation or area.

Adult Prevalence of HIV/AIDS (%) 🔬 – The percentage of adults estimated to be living with HIV.

Number of People with HIV/AIDS 👥 – Estimated count of people infected in each country.

Annual Deaths from HIV/AIDS ⚰️ – Estimated number of HIV/AIDS-related deaths per year.

Year of Estimate 📆 – The year the data was reported or estimated.

📈 Key Highlights: Global Prevalence: Around 0.7% of the global population was living with HIV in 2022, affecting nearly 39 million people.

Hotspots: The epidemic is most severe in Southern Africa, with countries like Eswatini, Botswana, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe reporting adult prevalence rates above 20% 🔥.

High Burden Countries:

🇿🇦 South Africa: 17.3% prevalence, ~9.2 million infected.

🇹🇿 Tanzania: ~7.49 million.

🇲🇿 Mozambique: ~2.48 million.

🇳🇬 Nigeria: ~2.45 million (1.3% prevalence).

⚠️ Notes: Data may vary in accuracy and is subject to ongoing updates and verification 🔍.

Some entries include a dash ("-") where data was not published or available ❌.

Countries with over 1% adult prevalence are categorized under Generalized HIV Epidemics (GHEs) by UNAIDS 🚨.

📚 Data Sources: CIA World Factbook 🌐

UNAIDS AIDS Info 💉

Wikipedia 🧠 (used as a collection and compilation point, not primary source)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIV_adult_prevalence_rate

Statistics relating to HIV infection

In 2022, Mozambique ranked first by HIV prevalence among adults aged 15 to 49 years among the 14 countries presented in the ranking. Mozambique's HIV prevalence amounted to ***** percent, while Zimbabwe and Zambia, the second and third countries, had records amounting to ** percent and ***** percent, respectively.

Much of the information on national HIV prevalence in Tanzania derives from surveillance of HIV in special populations, such as women attending antenatal clinics and blood donors. For example, Mainland Tanzania currently maintains a network of 134 antenatal care (ANC) sites from which HIV prevalence estimates are generated. However, these surveillance data do not provide an estimate of the HIV prevalence among the general population. HIV prevalence is higher among individuals who are employed (6 percent) than among those who are not employed (3 percent) and is higher in urban areas than in rural areas (7percent and 4 percent, respectively). In Mainland Tanzania, HIV prevalence is markedly higher than in Zanzibar (5 percent versus 1 percent). Differentials by region are large. Among regions on the Mainland,Njombe has the highest prevalence estimate (15 percent), followed by Iringa and Mbeya (9 percent each);Manyara and Tanga have the lowest prevalence (2 percent). Among the five regions that comprise Zanzibar, all have HIV prevalence estimates at 1 percent or below. Consistent with the overall national estimate among men and women, HIV prevalence is higher among women than men in nearly all regions of Tanzania.

Description: The Adult data set contains information on: biographical data, media, communication and norms, knowledge and perceptions of HIV/AIDS, male circumcision, sexual debut, partners and partner characteristics, condoms, vulnerability, HIV testing, alcohol and substance use, general perceptions about government, health and violence in the community. The data set contains 879 variables and 30563 cases. Abstract: South Africa continues to have the largest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the World. This study intends to understand the determinants that lead South Africans to be vulnerable and susceptible to HIV. This is the fourth in a series of household surveys conducted by Human Sciences Research council (HSRC), that allow for tracking of HIV and associated determinants over time using a slightly same methodology used in 2002 and 2008 survey, making it the fourth national-level repeat survey. The 2002 and 2005 surveys included individuals aged 2+ years living in South Africa while 2008 and 2012 survey included individuals of all ages living in South Africa, including infants less than 2 years of age. The 2008 study included only four people per household, while in 2012 all members of the households participated. The interval of three years since 2002 allows for an exploration of shifts over time against a complex of demographic and other variables, as well as allowing for investigation of the new areas. The surveys provide the nationally representative HIV incidence estimates showing changes over time. The 2012 study key objectives were: to determine the proportion of PLHIV who are on Antiretroviral treatment (ART) in South Africa; to determine the prevalence and incidence of HIV infection in South Africa in relation to social and behavioural determinants; to determine the proportion of males in South Africa who are circumcised; to investigate the link between social values, and cultural determinants and HIV infection in South Africa; to determine the extent to which mother-child pairs include HIV-negative mothers and HIV-positive infants; to describe trends in HIV prevalence, HIV incidence, and risk behaviour in South Africa over the period 2002 to 2012 collect data on the health conditions of South Africans; and contribute to the analysis of the impact of HIV/AIDS on society. In 2012, of the 15000 selected households or visiting points, 11079 agreed to participate in the survey, 42950 individuals (all household members were included) were eligible to be interviewed, and 38431 individuals completed the interview. Of the 38431 eligible individuals, 28997 agreed to provide a blood specimen for HIV testing and were anonymously linked to the behavioural questionnaires. The household response rate was 87.2% , the individual response rate was 89.5% and the overall response rate for HIV testing was 67.5% Clinical measurements Face-to-face interview Focus group Observation South African population. This project used the updated 2007-2011 HSRC's master sample. Aerial photographs drawn from Google Earth were utilised to ensure that the most up-to-date information was available sample. the master sample is defined as a selection, for the purpose of repeated community or household surveys, of a probability sample of census enumeration areas throughout South Africa that are representative of the country's provincial, settlement and racial diversity. The sampling frame that was used in the design of the Master Sample was the 2001 census Enumerator Areas (EAs) from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). The target population for this study were all people in South Africa, excluding persons in so-called special institutions (e.g. hospitals, military camps, old age homes, schools and university hostels). The EAs were used as the Primary Sampling Units (PSUs) and the Secondary Sampling Units (SSUs) were the visiting points (VPs) or households (HHs). The Ultimate Sampling Units (USUs) were the individuals eligible to be selected for the survey. Any member of the household "who slept here last night", including visitors was an eligible household member for the interview. This sampling approach was used in the 2001 census and is a standard demographic household survey procedure. The sample was designed with two main explicit strata, the provinces and the geography types (geotype) of the EA. In the 2001 census, the four geotypes were urban formal, urban informal, rural formal (including commercial farms) and tribal areas (rural informal) (i.e. the deep rural areas). In the formal urban areas, race was used as a third stratification variable. What this means is that the Master Sample was designed to allow reporting of results (i.e. reporting domain) at a provincial, geotype and race level. A reporting domain is defined as that domain at which estimates of a population characteristic or variable should be of an acceptable precision for the presentation of survey results. A visiting point is defined as a separate (non-vacant) residential stand, address, structure, and flat in a block of flats or homestead. The 2001 estimate of visiting points was used as the Measure of Size (MOS) in the drawing of the sample. A maximum of four visits were made to each VP to optimise response. Fieldworkers enumerated household members, using a random number generator to select the respondent and then preceded with the interview. All people in the households, resident at the visiting point were invited to participate in the study. These individuals constituted the USUs of this study. Having completed the sample design, the sample was drawn with 1 000 PSUs or EAs being selected throughout South Africa. These PSUs were allocated to each of the explicit strata. With a view to obtaining an approximately self-weighting sample of visiting points (i.e. SSUs), (a) the EAs were drawn with probability proportional to the size of the EA using the 2001 estimate of the number of visiting points in the EA database as a measure of size (MOS) and (b) to draw an equal number of visiting points (i.e. SSUs) from each drawn EA. An acceptable precision of estimates per reporting domain requires that a sample of sufficient size be drawn from each of the reporting domains. Consequently, a cluster of 15 VP was systematically selected on the aerial photography produced for each of the EAs in the master sample. Since it is not possible to determine on an aerial photograph whether a 'dwelling unit' is indeed a residential structure or whether it was occupied (i.e. people sleeping there), it was decided to form clusters of 15 dwelling units per PSU, allowing on average for one invalid dwelling unit in the cluster of 15 dwelling units. Previous experience at Statistics SA indicated a sample size of 10 households per PSU to be very efficient, balancing cost and efficiency. The VP questionnaire was administered by the fieldworker, and in follow-up, participant selection was made by the supervisor. Participants aged 12 years and older who consented were all interviewed and also asked to provide dried blood spots (DBS) specimens for HIV testing. In case of 0-11 years, parents/guardians were interviewed but DBS specimens were obtained from the children. The sample size estimate for the 2012 survey was guided by the (1) requirement for measuring change over time in order to detect a change in HIV prevalence of 5 percentage points in each of the main reporting domains, namely gender, age-group, race, locality type, and province (5% level of significance, 80% power, two-sided test), and (2) the requirement of an acceptable precision of estimates per reporting domain; that is, to be able to estimate HIV prevalence in each of the main reporting domains with a precision level of less than ± 4%, which is equivalent to the expected width of the 95% confidence interval (z-score at the 95% level for two-sided test). A design effect of 2 was assumed. Overall, a total of 38 431 interviewed participants composed of 29.7% children (0-14 years), 19.3% youths (15-24 years), 35.6% adults (25-49 years), and 15.4% adults (50+ years ) were interviewed. The sample was designed with the view to enable reporting of the results on province level, on geography type area and on race of the respondent. The total sample size was limited by financial constraints, but based on other HSRC experience in sample surveys it was decided to aim at obtaining a minimum of 1 200 households per race group. The number of respondents per household for the study was expected to vary between one and three (one respondent in each of the three age groups). More females (70.3%) than males (64.2%) were tested for HIV. The 15-24 year's age group was the most compliant (71.6%), and less than 2 years the least (51.6%). The highest testing response rate was found in rural formal settlements (80.8%) and the least in urban formal areas (59.7%).

South Africa ZA: Prevalence of HIV: Total: % of Population Aged 15-49 data was reported at 18.900 % in 2016. This stayed constant from the previous number of 18.900 % for 2015. South Africa ZA: Prevalence of HIV: Total: % of Population Aged 15-49 data is updated yearly, averaging 16.400 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2016, with 27 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 18.900 % in 2016 and a record low of 0.700 % in 1990. South Africa ZA: Prevalence of HIV: Total: % of Population Aged 15-49 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.World Bank: Health Statistics. Prevalence of HIV refers to the percentage of people ages 15-49 who are infected with HIV.; ; UNAIDS estimates.; Weighted Average;

Description: This data set contains information on children aged 12 - 14 years; biographical data; media, communication and norms; knowledge and perceptions of HIV/AIDS; home environment; care and protection; sexual debut; condoms; attitudes and knowledge towards sexual roles; health; and violence in the community. The data set contains 467 variables and 1491 cases. Abstract: South Africa continues to have the largest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the World. This study intends to understand the determinants that lead South Africans to be vulnerable and susceptible to HIV. This is the third in a series of household surveys conducted by Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), that allow for tracking of HIV and associated determinants over time using a slightly same methodology used in 2002 and 2005 survey, making it the third national-level repeat survey. The 2002 and 2005 surveys included individuals aged 2+ years living in South Africa while 2008 survey included individuals of all ages living in South Africa, including infants younger than 2 years of age. The interval of three years since 2002 allows for an exploration of shifts over time against a complex of demographic and other variables, as well as allowing for investigation of the new areas. The survey provides the first nationally representative HIV incidence estimates. The study key objectives were to: determine the prevalence of HIV infection in South Africa; examine the incidence of HIV infection in South Africa; assess the relationship between behavioural factors and HIV infection in South Africa; describe trends in HIV prevalence, HIV incidence, and risk behaviour in South Africa over the period 2002-2008; investigate the link between social, values, and cultural determinants and HIV infection in South Africa; assess the type and frequency of exposure to major national behavioural change communication programmes and assess their relationship to HIV prevention, AIDS treatment, care, and support; describe male circumcision practices in South Africa and assess its acceptability as a method of HIV prevention; collect data on the health conditions of South Africans; and contribute to the analysis of the impact of HIV/AIDS on society. In the 13440 valid households or visiting points, 10856 agreed to participate in the survey, 23369 individuals (no more than 4 per household, including infants under 2 years) were eligible to be interviewed, and 20826 individuals completed the interview. Of the 23369 eligible individuals, 15031 agreed to provide a blood specimen for HIV testing and were anonymously linked to the behavioural questionnaires. the household response rate was 80.8%, the individual response rate was 89.1% and the overall response rate for HIV testing was 64.3%. Clinical measurements Face-to-face interview Focus group Observation South African population, all ages from urban formal, urban informal, rural formal (farms), rural informal (tribal area) settlements. As in previous surveys, a multi-stage disproportionate, stratified sampling approach was used. A total of 1 000 census enumeration areas (EAs) from the 2001 population census were selected from a database of 86 000 EAs and mapped in 2007 using aerial photography to create a new updated Master Sample as a basis for sampling visiting points/households. The selection of EAs was stratified by province and locality type. Locality types were identified as urban formal, urban informal, rural formal (including commercial farms), and rural informal. In the formal urban areas, race was also used as a third stratification variable (based on the predominant race group in the selected EA at the time of the 2001 census). The allocation of EAs to different stratification categories was disproportionate; that means, over-sampling or over-allocation of EAs was done, for example, in areas that were dominated by Indian, coloured or white race groups to ensure that the minimum required sample size in those smaller race groups was obtained. The Master Sample was designed to allow reporting of results (i.e. reporting domain) at a provincial, geotype and race level. A reporting domain is defined as that domain at which estimates of a population characteristic or variable should be of an acceptable precision for the presentation of survey results. A visiting point is defined as a separate (non-vacant) residential stand, address, structure, and flat in a block of flats or homestead. The 2001 estimate of visiting points was used as the Measure of Size (MOS) in the drawing of the sample. A maximum of four visits were made to each VP to optimise response. Fieldworkers enumerated household members, using a random number generator to select the respondent and then preceded with the interview. All people in the households, resident at the visiting point were initially listed, after which the eligible individual was randomly selected in each of the following three age groups: under 2 years, 2-14 years, 15-24 years and 25+ years. These individuals constituted the USUs of this study. Having completed the sample design, the sample was drawn with 1 000 PSUs or EAs being selected throughout South Africa. These PSUs were allocated to each of the explicit strata. With a view to obtaining an approximately self-weighting sample of visiting points (i.e. SSUs), (a) the EAs were drawn with probability proportional to the size of the EA using the 2001 estimate of the number of visiting points in the EA database as a measure of size (MOS) and (b) to draw an equal number of visiting points (i.e. SSUs) from each drawn EA. An acceptable precision of estimates per reporting domain requires that a sample of sufficient size be drawn from each of the reporting domains. Consequently, a cluster of 15 VP was systematically selected on the aerial photography produced for each of the EAs in the master sample. Since it is not possible to determine on an aerial photograph whether a 'dwelling unit' is indeed a residential structure or whether it was occupied (i.e. people sleeping there), it was decided to form clusters of 15 dwelling units per PSU, allowing on average for one invalid dwelling unit in the cluster of 15 dwelling units. Previous experience at Statistics SA indicated a sample size of 10 households per PSU to be very efficient, balancing cost and efficiency. The VP questionnaire was administered by the fieldworker, and in follow-up, participant selection was made by the supervisor. Participants aged 12 years and older who consented were all interviewed and also asked to provide dried blood spots (DBS) specimens for HIV testing. In case of 0-11 years, parents/guardians were interviewed but DBS specimens were obtained from the children. The sample size estimate for the 2008 survey was guided by the (1) requirement for measuring change over time in order to detect a change in HIV prevalence of 5 percentage points in each of the main reporting domains, namely gender, age-group, race, locality type, and province (5% level of significance, 80% power, two-sided test), and (2) the requirement of an acceptable precision of estimates per reporting domain; that is, to be able to estimate HIV prevalence in each of the main reporting domains with a precision level of less than 4%, which is equivalent to the expected width of the 95% confidence interval (z-score at the 95% level for two-sided test). A design effect of 2 was assumed. Overall, a total of 20826 interviewed participants composed of 4981 children (0-14 years), 5344 youths (15-24 years) and 10501 adults (25+ years) were interviewed. The sample was designed with the view to enable reporting of the results on province level, on geography type area and on race of the respondent. The total sample size was limited by financial constraints, but based on other HSRC experience in sample surveys it was decided to aim at obtaining a minimum of 1 200 households per race group. The number of respondents per household for the study was expected to vary between one and three (one respondent in each of the three age groups). More females (68.9%) than males (62.02%) were tested for HIV. The 25+ years age group was the most compliant (68.8%), and 2-14 years the least (58.9%). The highest testing response rate was found in urban informal settlements (72.5%) and the lowest in urban formal areas (62.8%).

Description: The data set contains the data of the parents or guardians of children aged 0 to 11 years. Some of the questions included were the child's biographical data, health status and health questions, male circumcision, education of the child on life issues, infant and child feeding practices as well as school attendance and immunisation records. The data set contains 275 variables and 9667 cases. Refer to the user guide for information regarding guidance relating to data analysis. Abstract: South Africa continues to have the largest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the World. This study intends to understand the determinants that lead South Africans to be vulnerable and susceptible to HIV. This is the fourth in a series of household surveys conducted by Human Sciences Research council (HSRC), that allow for tracking of HIV and associated determinants over time using a slightly same methodology used in 2002 and 2008 survey, making it the fourth national-level repeat survey. The 2002 and 2005 surveys included individuals aged 2+ years living in South Africa while 2008 and 2012 survey included individuals of all ages living in South Africa, including infants less than 2 years of age. The 2008 study included only four people per household, while in 2012 all members of the households participated. The interval of three years since 2002 allows for an exploration of shifts over time against a complex of demographic and other variables, as well as allowing for investigation of the new areas. The surveys provide the nationally representative HIV incidence estimates showing changes over time. The 2012 study key objectives were: to determine the proportion of PLHIV who are on Antiretroviral treatment (ART) in South Africa; to determine the prevalence and incidence of HIV infection in South Africa in relation to social and behavioural determinants; to determine the proportion of males in South Africa who are circumcised; to investigate the link between social values, and cultural determinants and HIV infection in South Africa; to determine the extent to which mother-child pairs include HIV-negative mothers and HIV-positive infants; to describe trends in HIV prevalence, HIV incidence, and risk behaviour in South Africa over the period 2002 to 2012 collect data on the health conditions of South Africans; and contribute to the analysis of the impact of HIV/AIDS on society. In 2012, of the 15000 selected households or visiting points, 11079 agreed to participate in the survey, 42950 individuals (all household members were included) were eligible to be interviewed, and 38431 individuals completed the interview. Of the 38431 eligible individuals, 28997 agreed to provide a blood specimen for HIV testing and were anonymously linked to the behavioural questionnaires. The household response rate was 87.2% , the individual response rate was 89.5% and the overall response rate for HIV testing was 67.5% From the total of 38431 (89.5%) individuals who completed the interview, 2295 (5.3%) refused to be interviewed, 2224(5.2%) were absent from the household and 2224 (5.2%) were classified as missing/other. Clinical measurements Face-to-face interview Focus group Observation South African population. This project used the updated 2007-2011 HSRC's master sample. Aerial photographs drawn from Google Earth were utilised to ensure that the most up-to-date information was available sample. the master sample is defined as a selection, for the purpose of repeated community or household surveys, of a probability sample of census enumeration areas throughout South Africa that are representative of the country's provincial, settlement and racial diversity. The sampling frame that was used in the design of the Master Sample was the 2001 census Enumerator Areas (EAs) from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). The target population for this study were all people in South Africa, excluding persons in so-called special institutions (e.g. hospitals, military camps, old age homes, schools and university hostels). The EAs were used as the Primary Sampling Units (PSUs) and the Secondary Sampling Units (SSUs) were the visiting points (VPs) or households (HHs). The Ultimate Sampling Units (USUs) were the individuals eligible to be selected for the survey. Any member of the household "who slept here last night", including visitors was an eligible household member for the interview. This sampling approach was used in the 2001 census and is a standard demographic household survey procedure. The sample was designed with two main explicit strata, the provinces and the geography types (geotype) of the EA. In the 2001 census, the four geotypes were urban formal, urban informal, rural formal (including commercial farms) and tribal areas (rural informal) (i.e. the deep rural areas). In the formal urban areas, race was used as a third stratification variable. What this means is that the Master Sample was designed to allow reporting of results (i.e. reporting domain) at a provincial, geotype and race level. A reporting domain is defined as that domain at which estimates of a population characteristic or variable should be of an acceptable precision for the presentation of survey results. A visiting point is defined as a separate (non-vacant) residential stand, address, structure, and flat in a block of flats or homestead. The 2001 estimate of visiting points was used as the Measure of Size (MOS) in the drawing of the sample. A maximum of four visits were made to each VP to optimise response. Fieldworkers enumerated household members, using a random number generator to select the respondent and then preceded with the interview. All people in the households, resident at the visiting point were invited to participate in the study. These individuals constituted the USUs of this study. Having completed the sample design, the sample was drawn with 1 000 PSUs or EAs being selected throughout South Africa. These PSUs were allocated to each of the explicit strata. With a view to obtaining an approximately self-weighting sample of visiting points (i.e. SSUs), (a) the EAs were drawn with probability proportional to the size of the EA using the 2001 estimate of the number of visiting points in the EA database as a measure of size (MOS) and (b) to draw an equal number of visiting points (i.e. SSUs) from each drawn EA. An acceptable precision of estimates per reporting domain requires that a sample of sufficient size be drawn from each of the reporting domains. Consequently, a cluster of 15 VP was systematically selected on the aerial photography produced for each of the EAs in the master sample. Since it is not possible to determine on an aerial photograph whether a 'dwelling unit' is indeed a residential structure or whether it was occupied (i.e. people sleeping there), it was decided to form clusters of 15 dwelling units per PSU, allowing on average for one invalid dwelling unit in the cluster of 15 dwelling units. Previous experience at Statistics SA indicated a sample size of 10 households per PSU to be very efficient, balancing cost and efficiency. The VP questionnaire was administered by the fieldworker, and in follow-up, participant selection was made by the supervisor. Participants aged 12 years and older who consented were all interviewed and also asked to provide dried blood spots (DBS) specimens for HIV testing. In case of 0-11 years, parents/guardians were interviewed but DBS specimens were obtained from the children. The sample size estimate for the 2012 survey was guided by the (1) requirement for measuring change over time in order to detect a change in HIV prevalence of 5 percentage points in each of the main reporting domains, namely gender, age-group, race, locality type, and province (5% level of significance, 80% power, two-sided test), and (2) the requirement of an acceptable precision of estimates per reporting domain; that is, to be able to estimate HIV prevalence in each of the main reporting domains with a precision level of less than ± 4%, which is equivalent to the expected width of the 95% confidence interval (z-score at the 95% level for two-sided test). A design effect of 2 was assumed. Overall, a total of 38 431 interviewed participants composed of 29.7% children (0-14 years), 19.3% youths (15-24 years), 35.6% adults (25-49 years), and 15.4% adults (50+ years ) were interviewed. The sample was designed with the view to enable reporting of the results on province level, on geography type area and on race of the respondent. The total sample size was limited by financial constraints, but based on other HSRC experience in sample surveys it was decided to aim at obtaining a minimum of 1 200 households per race group. The number of respondents per household for the study was expected to vary between one and three (one respondent in each of the three age groups). More females (70.3%) than males (64.2%) were tested for HIV. The 15-24 year's age group was the most compliant (71.6%), and less than 2 years the least (51.6%). The highest testing response rate was found in rural formal settlements (80.8%) and the least in urban formal areas (59.7%).

Geographic coverage

The survey was conducted in two local communities in the Free State province, one urban (Welkom) and one rural (Qwaqwa), in which the HIV/AIDS epidemic is particularly rife. Welkom and Qwaqwa are situated in the Lejweleputswa and Thabo Mofutsanyane districts of the Free State province.

Analysis unit

Households

Universe

All memebers of the Household

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

The household impact of HIV/AIDS was assessed by means of a cohort study of households affected by the disease. The survey was conducted in two local communities in the Free State province, one urban (Welkom) and one rural (Qwaqwa), in which the HIV/AIDS epidemic is particularly rife. Welkom and Qwaqwa are situated in the Lejweleputswa and Thabo Mofutsanyane districts of the Free State province.

Affected households were sampled purposively via NGOs and other organizations involved in AIDS counselling and care and at baseline included at least one person known to be HIV-positive or known to have died from AIDS in the past six months. Informed consent was obtained from the infected individual(s) or their caregivers (in the case of minors). In order to explore the socio-economic impact on affected households of repeated occurrences of HIV/AIDS-related morbidity or mortality, a distinction is made between affected households in general and affected households that have experienced morbidity or mortality more frequently. Non-affected households represent households living in close proximity to affected households. These households at baseline did not include persons suffering from tuberculosis or pneumonia. The incidence of morbidity and mortality is considerably higher in affected households.

Affected households were sampled purposively via NGOs and other organizations involved in AIDS counselling and care and at baseline included at least one person known to be HIV-positive or known to have died from AIDS in the past six months. Informed consent was obtained from the infected individual(s) or their caregivers (in the case of minors). In order to explore the socio-economic impact on affected households of repeated occurrences of HIV/AIDS-related morbidity or mortality, a distinction is made between affected households in general and affected households that have experienced morbidity or mortality more frequently. Non-affected households represent households living in close proximity to affected households. These households at baseline did not include persons suffering from tuberculosis or pneumonia. The incidence of morbidity and mortality is considerably higher in affected households.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

Household Questionnaire

Response rate

During the first wave of interviews a total of 404 interviews were conducted. During the second wave of data collection, interviews were conducted with 385 households, which translates into an attrition rate of 4.7% (19 households). During wave III, a total of 354 households were interviewed, with 31 households not being reinterviewed (7.7% of the original sample). In wave IV, 55 new households wererecruited into the study, with particular emphasis on an effort to recruit child-headed households into the survey insofar as the sample to date did not include any such households. During waves IV, V and VI a total of 3, 13 and 9 households respectively could not be re-interviewed.

The payment of a minimal participation fee (R150 per household per survey visit) to those households interviewed in each wave, following the interview and distributed in the form of food parcels, contributed to ensuring sustainability of the sample over the three-year period. The dataset includes data for 331 households interviewed in each of the six rounds of interviews. In almost 90 percent of cases the reasons for attrition are related to migration, given that this study did not intend to follow those households that move outside of the two immediate study areas, i.e. Welkom and Qwaqwa. In the majority of cases, attrition can be ascribed to the failure to establish the current whereabouts of the particular household during follow-up, while in a third of cases it could be established that the household had moved to another country, another province, or another town in the Free State province. Less than ten percent of households had refused to participate in subsequent waves. The reasons for attrition in the original sample illustrate the manner in which migration and the disintegration of households, which are important effects of the epidemic, can act to erode the sample population.

In 2024, it was estimated that around ** percent of Botswana's population aged 15-49 years was infected with HIV. This statistic shows the 20 countries with the highest prevalence of HIV worldwide as of 2024.

BackgroundPopulation HIV prevalence across West Africa varies substantially. We assess the national epidemiological and behavioural factors associated with this.MethodsNational, urban and rural data on HIV prevalence, the percentage of younger (15–24) and older (25–49) women and men reporting multiple (2+) partners in the past year, HIV prevalence among female sex workers (FSWs), men who have bought sex in the past year (clients), and ART coverage, were compiled for 13 countries. An Ecological analysis using linear regression assessed which factors are associated with national variations in population female and male HIV prevalence, and with each other.FindingsNational population HIV prevalence varies between 0 4–2 9% for men and 0 4–5.6% for women. ART coverage ranges from 6–23%. National variations in HIV prevalence are not shown to be associated with variations in HIV prevalence among FSWs or clients. Instead they are associated with variations in the percentage of younger and older males and females reporting multiple partners. HIV prevalence is weakly negatively associated with ART coverage, implying it is not increased survival that is the cause of variations in HIV prevalence. FSWs and younger female HIV prevalence are associated with client population sizes, especially older men. Younger female HIV prevalence is strongly associated with older male and female HIV prevalence.InterpretationIn West Africa, population HIV prevalence is not significantly higher in countries with high FSW HIV prevalence. Our analysis suggests, higher prevalence occurs where more men buy sex, and where a higher percentage of younger women, and older men and women have multiple partnerships. If a sexual network between clients and young females exists, clients may potentially bridge infection to younger females. HIV prevention should focus both on commercial sex and transmission between clients and younger females with multiple partners.

IntroductionInterventions to keep adolescent girls and young women in school, or support their return to school, are hypothesised to also reduce HIV risk. Such interventions are included in the DREAMS combination package of evidence-based interventions. Although there is evidence of reduced risky sexual behaviours, the impact on HIV incidence is unclear. We used nationally representative surveys to investigate the association between being in school and HIV prevalence.MethodsWe analysed Demographic and Health Survey data from nine DREAMS countries in sub-Saharan Africa restricted to young women aged 15–19 (n = 20,429 in total). We used logistic regression to assess cross-sectional associations between being in school and HIV status and present odds ratios adjusted for age, socio-economic status, residence, marital status, educational attainment and birth history (aOR). We investigated whether associations seen differed across countries and by age.ResultsHIV prevalence (1.0%–9.8%), being currently in school (50.0%-72.6%) and the strength of association between the two, varied between countries. We found strong evidence that being currently in school was associated with a reduced odds of being HIV positive in Lesotho (aOR: 0.37; 95%CI: 0.17–0.79), Swaziland (aOR: 0.32; 95%CI: 0.17–0.59), and Uganda (aOR: 0.48: 95%CI: 0.29–0.80) and no statistically significant evidence for this in Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia or Zimbabwe.ConclusionsAlthough the relationship is not uniform across countries or over time, these data are supportive of the hypothesis that young women in school are at lower risk of being HIV positive than those who leave school in some sub-Saharan African settings. There is a possibility of reverse causality, with pre-existing HIV infection leading to school drop-out. Further investigation of the contextual factors behind this variation will be important in interpreting the results of HIV prevention interventions promoting retention in school.