In South Africa � HIV virus engulfing approximately 1,500 citizens every day. � Up to 40% of women between the ages, 25 to 29 are HIV positive. � More than 1,000 people die of Aids-related illnesses every day. These figures uncover the horrific mien of the situation, prevailing there for years. Moreover, they rectify the notion that put South Africa in the category of the countries, severely bruised by the apparition called, HIV/AIDS. Perhaps this is the reason why the government of this country has come out launching an ambitious five-year plan (that would go up to 2011), aimed at combating HIV/AIDS more successfully than before. Plan’s aim:- � To change the behavior, especially of young people-the section of the society most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. � To dramatically extend its anti-retroviral drug program. � To cut new infections by half by 2011. � To care and support 80% of all people with HIV within five years. Quite a commendable step it is, but seems taken a bit later. However, well said, it is never too late. More interesting is the thing that this move of the government has highly been applauded by AIDS activists, since they had been accusing government for paying not sufficient heed to fight HIV/AIDS. If both government as well as AIDS activities put their energies together then, in my opinion, results could be more prolific than imagined. In addition, if this massive but ambitious plan moves on the fuel of enthusiasm and firm determination then no stint can put spoke in its wheels. In other words, we can say that success of this plan would mainly depend on the firm determination and zeal of the officials that would enable people of south Africa to see a new dawn that would come, piercing the thick haze of HIV/AIDS, which is enfolding this country for years. Image credit: IST Via: BBC