In marking the World Aids Day today, the medical charity, Medicines Sans Frontiers, says many people in Yanbio, Gbudwe State, are still neither tested nor getting treatment for the virus.

It says this is because the conflict has made access to some communities impossible as whole villages have been deserted.

“During the rainy season, it is extremely difficult for us to move in certain remote areas”, explains  Daniele Regazzi, project coordinator for MSF in Yambio, said in a statement.

“But that is not the only complication. The conflict has made access to some communities impossible as whole villages have fled from their homes. It is important that we make contact with them and ensure that those who need drugs get them”.

The charity organization says in over a year, more than 10,000 people have been tested for HIV, 414 have been found HIV positive and over 330 have been initiated to life-saving treatment.

MSF said the western part of the Greater Equatoria Region has the highest HIV rate in South Sudan as it shares a porous border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Central African Republic, where HIV rates are usually higher.

It said it is setting up an adaptable network amongst the villages of this area in case they are cut off.