South African president says he is HIV-negative

JOHANNESBURG – JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South Africa's president says his most recent HIV test result was negative.

President Jacob Zuma made the announcement Sunday as he launched a campaign to combat AIDS through counseling and testing in the country hardest hit by the epidemic.

The South African Press agency says Zuma said April's blood test was his fourth negative HIV result. He encouraged South Africans to use condoms and get testing.

Stigma attached to AIDS has kept South Africans from getting tested and seeking treatment, contributing to the disease's spread.

South Africa, a country of some 50 million, has an estimated 5.7 million people infected with HIV, more than in any other country. In December, Zuma announced ambitious testing and treatment plans.