More than 300 traditional leaders in South Africa will be trained to do HIV tests and educate their largely rural patients about the disease
Traditional healer Florence Khoza reads results from a rapid HIV blood test in Bushbuckridge, South Africa, Thursday, May 9, 2024. While South Africa has made strides in fighting HIV, prevalence remains high and stigma is widespread in many communities with researchers hoping the relationship of trust between villagers and traditional healers will bring more people to HIV testing, counseling and care.
Most traditional healers were already knowledgeable about HIV — some from personal experience — and were eager to get involved, researchers said. South Africa's large younger population is a special concern. A government study released in December showed that people living with HIV had fallen from 14% in 2017 to 12.7% in 2022, but HIV prevalence rose among girls between 15 and 19, a phenomenon largely attributed to older men sleeping with them.
“Many were not convinced. I had to show them my certificate to prove I was qualified to do this,” he said.
HIV And AIDS World News General News Article 111162494
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a lifelong infection of the body's immune cells. HIV is transmitted through the blood and genital secretions of untreated individuals infected with HIV, even if they have no symptoms. Learn the progression of stages of acute HIV, chronic HIV, and AIDS.
Read more »
South Africa business activity grows again in May, PMI showsSouth Africa business activity grows again in May, PMI shows
Read more »
South Africa reelects President Cyril Ramaphosa after dramatic coalition dealSouth African President Cyril Ramaphosa has been reelected by lawmakers for a second term after his African National Congress party struck a dramatic late coalition deal with the main opposition and other parties.
Read more »
South Africa's Ramaphosa re-elected as ANC strikes coalition dealOnce unthinkable, the accord allowed President Cyril Ramaphosa to win a second term in office.
Read more »
South Africa’s President Ramaphosa reelected after dramatic late coalition deal
Read more »
South Africa Re-Elects Cyril Ramaphosa of the ANC as PresidentCamomile Shumba is a CoinDesk regulatory reporter based in the UK. She previously worked as an intern for Business Insider and Bloomberg News. She does not currently hold value in any digital currencies or projects.
Read more »