President Jacob Zuma has called on the people of South Africa to take an HIV test. Mr Zuma acknowledged that the decision to take the test is not an easy one but assured his citizens that their test results are treated with the utmost confidentiality. He revealed that he has taken the test himself and will do so again.

President Zuma made his appeal to mark World Aids Day and went on to announce an expansion of treatment programmes for infants and pregnant women with HIV.

The increased focus on HIV and Aids in South Africa appears to be paying off. A survey issued earlier this year suggests that fewer young children are becoming infected with the HIV virus and that the use of condoms is on the increase.