Horizon scanning in South Africa: health and HIV and AIDS

South Africa has a mature HIV and AIDS epidemic, with 11% of the population being infected. The following trends are evident: females are more vulnerable than males with a prevalence of 33.3% amongst 25-29 year olds; infection rates amongst older females are increasing the "sugar daddy" syndrome puts younger women at greater risk, and the age of sexual debut is getting younger. Prevalence amongst public sector health workers and teachers are worrying and are likely to have ripple effects at a family and community level. Another disturbing trend is that many perceive their HIV risk to be low, creating a false sense of security. Some key implications for policy makers arise from the above. Prevention strategies must be prioritized if there is a desire to halt the epidemic.