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In South Africa, it is estimated that 19% of the population is HIV+. In some regions, the rates are higher than others. For example, in Kwazulu Natal, it's estimated that 40% of the population is HIV+ while, in Northern Cape and Western Cape, it's 18% of the population. As reported by AVERT, "A survey in 2012 found that HIV prevalence among women was nearly twice as high as men. Rates of new infections among young women aged 15-24 were more than four times greater than that of men in the same age range, and this age group accounted for 25% of new infections in South Africa. Poverty, the low status of women and gender-based violence have also been cited as reasons for the disparity in HIV prevalence between men and women in South Africa. Despite these barriers, HIV prevalence among women aged 15-24 is thought to have declined between 2002 and 2012."<ref>[https://www.avert.org/professionals/hiv-around-world/sub-saharan-africa/south-africa HIV AND AIDS IN SOUTH AFRICA]</ref> | In South Africa, it is estimated that 19% of the population is HIV+. In some regions, the rates are higher than others. For example, in Kwazulu Natal, it's estimated that 40% of the population is HIV+ while, in Northern Cape and Western Cape, it's 18% of the population. As reported by AVERT, "A survey in 2012 found that HIV prevalence among women was nearly twice as high as men. Rates of new infections among young women aged 15-24 were more than four times greater than that of men in the same age range, and this age group accounted for 25% of new infections in South Africa. Poverty, the low status of women and gender-based violence have also been cited as reasons for the disparity in HIV prevalence between men and women in South Africa. Despite these barriers, HIV prevalence among women aged 15-24 is thought to have declined between 2002 and 2012."<ref>[https://www.avert.org/professionals/hiv-around-world/sub-saharan-africa/south-africa HIV AND AIDS IN SOUTH AFRICA]</ref> | ||
Often times, doctors have struggled to identify suitable preventative measures for South African women. In studies, PrEP and preventative vaginal rings have not | Often times, doctors have struggled to identify suitable preventative measures for South African women. In studies, PrEP and preventative vaginal rings have not had massive success. This is perhaps partially due to the fact that the women may feel uncomfortable with the vaginal rings, which are less popular in South Africa than in the United States or European countries. Furthermore, many women did not stick with the regimen of taking PrEP pills every day. As reported in the Scientific American, “In the face of this unexpected setback scientists are now trying to develop new, less invasive products as well as giving more forethought into the social circumstances surrounding PrEP use. 'If women feel they cannot control their exposure to the virus, if they’ve seen their mothers get infected or their family members die from AIDS and they are afraid of that, we want to offer them protection,' says microbiologist Zeda Rosenberg, chief executive of the nonprofit organization developing the ring, the International Partnership for Microbicides."<ref>[http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/hiv-prevention-runs-into-trouble-in-south-africa/ HIV Prevention Runs into Trouble in South Africa]</ref> | ||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||