South Africa-27th Session May 2017-HIV and AIDS

Para 47) South Africa’s National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STIs (NSP) has guided the country’s response to the HIV, STI and TB epidemics. The NSP 2017–2022 is the product of a multi-stakeholder collaboration by government, civil society, communities and the private sector to achieve a reduction of HIV, TB and STI morbidity and mortality in South Africa. Para 48) The NSP is underpinned by several programmes and interventions implemented as a response to the burden of HIV that have yielded positive outcomes. These include the Department of Health (DoH) Sector HIV Strategy, National She Conquers Campaign for Girls and Young Women, National Sex Worker HIV Plan, National LGBTI HIV Framework and the Framework and Strategy for Disability and Rehabilitation Services in South Africa. The NSP is also aligned with other regional and global frameworks. The NSP is directly linked to Goal 3 of the SDGs, Target 3.3, which includes ending the epidemics of AIDS and tuberculosis by 2030. Para 49) Medical male circumcision (MMC) falls under goal 1 of the NSP 2017-2022, to accelerate prevention and reduce new HIV, TB and STI infection. This is an extremely robust and most cost effective (WHO/UNAIDS) HIV prevention intervention that protects males by 60% from contracting HIV throughout their lifetime. The national MMC programme has gradually scaled up its implementation through ambitious target setting and focussed highquality high-volume service delivery (PEPFAR and transversal contracts) to meet the 2.5 million targets purported in the national strategic plan 2017-2022. To date the programme has performed 1 821 128 circumcisions, translating to 73% of the target met. However, from inception (2010) to 2021, the programme has performed >4.5 million circumcisions. To ensure magnitude and immediacy of impact the programme has shifted its focus to the age pivot 15-34 as supported by modelling studies. The latest modelling study shows that the programme has contributed to the aversion of >80 000 new HIV infections and will be instrumental in preventing more new HIV infections in the future through its additive compounding effect. Other research shows that MMC is highly effective in preventing both ulcerative and genital discharge STIs. Since the programme focusses on males and circumcises thousands of males nationally, the programme has been identified as a gateway for Men’s Health and as a result is in the process of transitioning into a Men’s health programme. The programme has developed an integrated Men’s health strategy and is currently developing Men’s health guidelines. Consequently, the programme will also deliver on the other goals of the NSP by focusing on comprehensive Men’s Health. The programme has developed tools and job aids aimed at improving service delivery at all levels and to ensure that all providers comply with the National MMC Quality Assurance Standards. Para 50) The Department of Health and the Department of Basic Education agreed on the development of scripted lessons to assist educators in teaching aspects of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in schools. Eighty scripted lessons are offered from grade 4 to 12 teaching learners on amongst others how to prevent the spread of STIs including HIV/AIDS, prevent and report sexual abuse, violence and rape, reducing risky sexual behaviours and on preventing unplanned and teenage pregnancy. Para 51) … Revising B-wise website (B-Wise is a website for young people to get honest information about their health, body changes, sex, relationships, contraceptives, HIV, and other STIs). Para 52) Information platform such as B-Wise were introduced to share scientific and accurate information regarding SRHR targeting both boys and girls, clinic finders, interactive sessions to respond to specific questions and feedback mechanism about services provided in facilities to promote youth friendly service.