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Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most severely HIV-affected region in the world, with very few reports of declining HIV prevalence. To date, Uganda has been the only African country to provide compelling evidence that behavior change can lead to declines in HIV prevalence (ACC Aug 1 2004). However, new data from Zimbabwe are also promising.
Researchers conducted two household surveys (the first in 1998–2000 and the second in 2000–2003) among 9454 adults in 12 communities in Manicaland, Zimbabwe. In each survey, participants were interviewed about sexual behavior, and blood samples were used to determine HIV serostatus.
During the study period, overall HIV prevalence declined from 23% to 21%. Declines were greatest among women aged 15 to 24 and …