Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi was present at the launch of the 2011 National Antenatal Sentinel HIV and Syphilis Prevalence survey. The event, which took place in Pretoria yesterday, saw Motsoaledi praising the provincial department for the progress it has made in reduce the HIV cases.

The survey data included the details of 30,000 first-time expecting mothers. Though advancements have been made, the province still has the highest number of HIV figure. Motsoaledi said that without a doubt, he is happy to see a 2.1% decline, but he would also like to affirm that he is also concerned about the rise seen from 2010 to 2011 in Gert Sibande district.

Though it is the result of the efforts made by authorities concerned and people to reduce HIV cases, more efforts will be needed to prevent HIV cases. Some of the measures that can be adopted are medical male circumcision as well as to educate people about HIV. Complete information about the same should be provided to people, so they are able to make informed choices.

While talking about the areas, which needs attention, Motsoaledi said, "In areas where we see new mining operations, news towns, constructions and new people coming in, we expect something like this [higher prevalence rates] to happen. It needs our attention".