Looking at HIV prevalence rates by age ranges, it becomes clear that it is the economically active and socially reproductive sections of the population who are worst affected. Women between the ages of 20 and 29 years have the highest prevalence rates - in the year 2000, these were hovering close to an alarming 30%.

The graph also shows that there are seemingly fewer teenagers contracting HIV in 2000 than in the previous two years. One possible explanation (as offered by the South African Department of Health) is behavioral changes such as increased condom use amongst adolescents, which is supported by studies documenting changes in condom usage. However, this trend in reduced prevalence is not sustained later in life, therefore although the lower prevalence in the under 20 age group is encouraging it indicates a delay rather than avoidance of the onset of HIV.

If a similar graph was constructed for males, HIV prevalence would be highest amongst the 30 - 39 years age groups.