Big jump in South African HIV cases

BBC News:

South Africa's health department has released figures suggesting that HIV infection rates in the country may be greater than previously thought.

A study of women in antenatal clinics suggests that more than six million of South Africa's 40 million people are infected with HIV.

In May, the state statistics agency estimated that 4.5 million South Africans were carrying the virus.

South Africa has often been critised for not taking firmer action on Aids.

Results from the study, conducted last year, indicate that between 6.29 and 6.57 million South Africans are infected, the health department said.

The department said the corresponding figure for the end of 2003 was 5.6 million.

However Statistics South Africa, the state statistical agency, announced in May that 4.5 South Africans were estimated to be infected.

That statistic implied that South Africa had been overtaken by India as the country with the highest number of HIV-positive people.

Official figures say India has 5.1 million people with HIV.

However, the South African government's latest announcement suggests that South Africa does indeed have the largest number of people living with HIV.

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