In yet another break with the policies of the previous administration, South Africa's health minister is asking doctors and nurses to take the initiative and routinely suggest HIV tests to their patients.

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi also is leading a government effort to increase the acceptance of voluntary HIV testing among the public. The campaign seeks to address South Africa's daunting HIV burden: The country has 5.3 million HIV-positive residents, and it is believed only a small proportion know their status.

The effort comes in anticipation of World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, when President Jacob Zuma is expected to lead national officials in a massive and public HIV testing campaign. South Africa's religious leaders also are being urged to raise awareness about HIV, Motsoaledi said.

Zuma's administration succeeded that of Thabo Mbeki, who gained worldwide notoriety for denying that HIV causes AIDS and downplaying the gravity of the AIDS epidemic in his country. Mbeki's failure to embrace the cause of HIV prevention and care is blamed for the needless death of hundreds of thousands of South Africans.

Motsoaledi called for initiatives on the local level to cut HIV, citing the experience of the Western Cape. There, officials significantly reduced the AIDS-related infant mortality rate by breaking with the national government and implementing aggressive dual therapy for HIV-positive pregnant women.

Motsoaledi's call for increased testing came after assurances from the South African National AIDS Council that South Africa had the resources to provide both the testing and the services needed by those identified as HIV-positive. The call for provider-initiated testing also was supported by Francois Venter, president of the Southern African HIV Clinicians Society.