Thousands receive ARVs in Ekurhuleni
Gauteng's HIV treatment programme has more than doubled the number of adults on antiretroviral (ARV) medication in a single year.
By mid-2013, Gauteng had more than 505 644 adults on treatment, with 133 864 adults receiving ARVs in Ekurhuleni, according to the latest District Health Barometer by the Health Systems Trust.
Virtually all babies born in Johannesburg to HIV-positive mothers were tested for the virus within weeks of birth – the best rate in the country.
But Gauteng had the lowest contraceptive coverage of all provinces, with only about 28 per cent of couples using some form of contraceptive.
Only about one-third of pregnant women in Johannesburg had been for a check-up by 20 weeks, one of the lowest rates in the country.
Early check-ups are key in eliminating problems in labour.
In addition, screening for cervical cancer is lower than the national average in Gauteng.
