This survey is the fourth in a series of national population-based surveys conducted for surveillance of the HIV epidemic in South Africa. 

The previous three surveys were conducted in 2002, 2005 and 2008.  The data from the 2012 survey will serve as a basis for the evaluation of the current South African National Strategic Plan (NSP) for HIV and AIDS and STI 2007-2011. It will also provide the baseline information for tracking the progress and impact of the next NSP currently under development. 

The study design and methods will be based on the methods used and validated in the previous surveys but, unlike before, all members of the household will be invited to participate, be interviewed and provide a blood specimen for HIV testing.

The ‘take all’ approach allows the study to report on the sero-discordance (a couple in which one partner is HIV positive and the other is HIV negative) between sexual partners, and mother and child HIV discordance (where either the mother or child is HIV positive, but not both) living in a particular household. Participants in this survey will be able to access their HIV survey results at the nearest HIV counselling and testing (HCT) sites in the area.
Questionnaires used in the 2011 survey will be expanded compared to those used in the 2008 survey.

Additional modules will be included to address some demographic and health indicators, including child and maternal mortality and fertility.

These indicators are also crucial for international reporting such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS).

As in the previous surveys, all information collected in questionnaires and the HIV test results will be kept strictly confidential. Participants will be given a voucher with a barcode that will enable them to obtain their HIV results after undergoing counselling at their nearest clinic.

For more information call either 021 466-8000 or 012 302-2000 and speak to an HSRC team member who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.