South Africa has the biggest and most high profile HIV epidemic in the world, with an estimated 7 million people living with HIV in 2015. In the same year, there were 380,000 new infections while 180,000 South Africans died from AIDS-related illnesses.1

South Africa has the largest antiretroviral treatment (ART) programme globally and these efforts have been largely financed from its own domestic resources. The country now invests more than $1.5 billion annually to run its HIV and AIDS programmes.2

However, HIV prevalence remains high (19.2%) among the general population, although it varies markedly between regions.3 For example, HIV prevalence is almost 40% in Kwazulu Natal compared with 18% in Northern Cape and Western Cape.

In 2013, an estimated 360,000 children (aged 0 to 14) were living with HIV in South Africa. From 2002 to 2012, HIV prevalence declined among children, due mainly to programmes to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT).25 The scaling up of antiretroviral treatment (ART) has reduced child mortality by 20%.The scaling up of antiretroviral treatment has reduced child mortality by 20%.26

More than 2.3 million children in South Africa have been orphaned by HIV and AIDS.27 Orphans are particularly vulnerable to HIV transmission; they are often at risk of being forced into sex, have sex in exchange for support, and typically become sexually active earlier than other children.28

The National Strategic Plan 2012-2016 aims to lessen the impact of HIV on orphans, vulnerable children and youth by ensuring they have access to vital social services, including basic education.

Today its world aids day let support and encourage those who are affected by the virus to continue to take their medication and love them.