Members of the Disabled People of South Africa (DPSA) with various forms of disabilities in Limpopo Province this week pleaded with health practitioners to give them condoms too.

Mr William Matlala, a member of the DPSA, claimed that while condoms as crucial contraceptives against HIV/Aids and other sexually transmitted diseases are distributed to the people, those with disabilities are often excluded.

"We are concerned, because it is like we are not considered seriously when it comes to the issue of the HI virus. People should understand that we are like everyone, that we also have partners. A lot of people with disabilities are dying because of this fatal mistake," he said.

According to HIV/Aids statistics, Limpopo is the third worst province, with an infection of rate of 20.7%. It follows both the Northern and Western Cape provinces. KwaZulu-Natal tops the list with an infection rate of 39, 1% and has been at the top of the list for the past ten years.

In all the provincial districts of Limpopo Province, Waterberg has the highest infection rate (27, 5%) followed by Mopani with 24,8%, Capricorn (24,2%) and Sekhukhune with 16,1%. The Vhembe district has the lowest infection rate with only 14, 2%.

Departmental spokesperson of Health and Social Development Mr Phuthi Seloba said that more than 425 million condoms are being distributed to people every year, irrespective of their physical appearance. He said that 94% of clinics offer services to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Seloba added that 345 sites are now offering Anti-Retroviral Treatment to people who need them.