HIV prevalence increases among children in the Western Cape: the dilemma of early sexual activity and risk behaviour

Abstract

The prevalence of HIV among children and teenagers in the Western Cape has increased. While more children with HIV may be surviving into their teenage years, the increase could also be the result of new infections. New data show more young people started having sex during adolescence. They have multiple sexual partners, and most still do not use condoms. These and other challenges were discussed at the recent launch of the Western Cape findings from the HSRC’s 2022 national household HIV survey.