Today, South Africa's Health Ministry unveiled a five-year plan to address HIV/AIDS, which has already infected 5.5 million of the nation's 47 million people. A chief component will involve preventing new HIV infections, especially by persuading youths to delay sexual debut. The action plan, released by Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, also pledges to provide care for 80 percent of people with the disease or affected by HIV.

"Key priority one: reduce by 50 percent the rate of new infections by 2011," the plan said. Better sex education is needed for youths, particularly to delay sex among youths ages 14-17, according to the plan.

South Africa has one of the world's highest teen pregnancy rates, said Mlambo-Ngcuka -- evidence of an attitude toward sex that must be changed. "The estimate suggests that there are still many new infections among young people in our country and that delaying sexual activity by the young is critical," she said.

Life-skills programs that have focused on changing youths' behavior have not worked, said Education Minister Naledi Pandor. "Young people have the information, they can tell you what you mean when you are talking about HIV, but it is clear those in their late teens are not altering their behavior," she said.

The government provides 213,000 AIDS patients antiretroviral therapy, said Mlambo-Ngcuka, and 11,000 more join the program monthly. More than 360 million condoms are distributed annually in South Africa.

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