81 Source: NDOH/ UNAIDS Spectrum Modelling 2012. This demographic success is even more pronounced in the reduction in new infections among children 0-14 years. The number of new HIV infections among children was reduced by 75% from 2004 to 2012 as services to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV 83% in 2012 increased. This increase in services enabled almost 240,000 pregnant women living with HIV to access medicines to keep their babies free from HIV (see Fig 7). Due to these interventions and services, the rate of mother to child transmission has dropped by about 77%.60 Mother to child transmission rates dropped from 15% plus levels in 2004 to sub 2% levels for at least half of the provinces in 2012 (Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West and the Western Cape Provinces). Nationally it is expected to decline to approx 2% from 2013 onwards. Fig 8: Annual AIDS Deaths – National (2004 – 2016). Source: Statistics South Africa, 2012. An even more significant demographic impact and success of the HIV&AIDS response has been the drop in AIDS related deaths over time. South Africa saw a reduction of at least 30% in the number of AIDS related deaths (all age groups) since 2004.61 The estimated number of deaths declined from 330,000 [310,000-360,000] in 2004 to 240,000 [210,000-270,000] in 2012.62 60 61 62 See NDOH/UNAIDS Spectrum Modelling Report, 2012. See Statistics South Africa Report, 2012. Statistics South Africa Report, 2012. 81