Update on work

The testing campaign in secondary schools has been hit a few bumps along the way but is still moving forward, slow and steady.  Some provinces have already started and KZN reports they testing over 1,400 students in the first couple weeks.  What's really exciting is that only 12 were positive.  That's only .85% in a province with a very high prevalence rate (around 25%).  That information reafirms why I think this campaign is so important to prevention as opposed to just focusing on treatment - hopefully the students who tested negative got the information and counseling they need to stay negative.  Of course, the 12 that tested positive will also get the care they need and knowing their status will help them ensure they don't pass the virus to their partners and future children.  There was an interesting article in the Washington Post yesterday (link here) that suggested DC is backsliding in its efforts to fight AIDS - very unfortunate.  In it, Mayor Gray voiced his support for increasing the schools counseling program.  Maybe after becoming an expert at HIV counseling and testing in schools here, I can help! 

The rate of infection in DC is about 3%, which is much higher than the estimated 0.4% in the US but much lower than South Africa which is estimated at 25%.   

We met with the Minister of Health last week and he reaffirmed his support for testing in schools but also stressed that this campaign will only be successful if it is integrated into strengthening school health programs in general.  That means testing for HIV is part of a package of services which includes testing for vision, hearing, diabetes, anemia, etc.  Makes sense.