After our official introduction to HIV/AIDS in South Africa, our delegation visited HIV/AIDS programs. We first visited the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital Peri-natal Research Unit in SOWETO (South West Township) — the largest township in South Africa — where we met and discussed HIV issues with clinical staff, mothers and volunteers. The largest hospital in southern Africa, Chris Hani Baragwanath sits at SOWETO's entrance.

It is estimated that more than 70,000 children are born in South Africa with HIV every year and the hospital's peri-natal research unit, run under the careful eye and expertise of Dr. James McIntyre, is world renowned for its care to African women living with HIV and their children.

Our visit included a presentation by the perinatal research team, a tour of the HIV clinic, a meeting with members of the research team and observation of a “Living with HIV” support group.

It is important to note that currently the majority of services here are geared toward prevention of HIV in children. Treatment for adults living with HIV is not readily available anywhere in southern Africa and, as such, the program we visited did not provide clinical services for the parents outside of a research protocol.