Debate has been raging for some time about whether people with HIV should start treatment when their CD4 count drops to 350 or 200. A new study shows better results for patients who get an earlier start.

South Africa'€™s response to the AIDS epidemic will continue to fall short as long as government efforts do not consider addressing issues specific to men who have sex with men as part of its prevention and awareness programme, warn activists and experts.

Enea Motaung is a humble, strong-voiced woman with an undying concern for the well-being of others, particularly those living with and affected by HIV. She has been the Executive Director of the Township AIDS Project since 1992. Today she is the focus of our series of '€œAIDS legends'€ of the last 25 years.

HIV contributes to an increased prevalence and severity of under-nutrition and micronutrient deficiency in children, according to the South African Health Review (SAHR).

Media-based HIV communication programmes have some influence on people'€™s attitudes to HIV, according to recent research. The spin-offs include improved prevention behaviour, a better understanding of those living with HIV and AIDS and increased community involvement in HIV issues. But much still needs to be done.

Controversial University of Cape Town (UCT) Professor Girish Kotwal has resigned following an investigation into his ties with an untested '€œanti-HIV'€ remedy.

The Treatment Action Campaign may suspend its call for the resignation of Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang provided that government '€œshows the leadership on HIV/AIDS that we have been asking for, for the past five years'€.

In the heart of North West mining territory, the 352-bed Rustenburg Hospital is almost full to capacity, admitting over 2 000 patients and treating over 8 000 out-patients per month. TB and pneumonia, both closely associated with HIV, are seen everyday. Staff is grappling to deal with the patient-load.

Rising HIV cases in South Africa are placing a huge strain on the country'€™s public health facilities. Natalspruit Hospital, in Gauteng'€™s East Rand, is buckling under pressure.

The greatest threat to any country'€™s AIDS treatment programme is the failure to effectively prevent new infections. With that realisation, a vigorous campaign to research new HIV prevention mechanisms is gaining momentum.

In the space of two short years, a Johannesburg HIV/AIDS clinic has become the biggest antiretroviral treatment site in Africa and one of the biggest in the world.