Washington, Dhu-AlQa'dah, 01 1438,July 24, 2017, SPA -- The country with the world's highest HIV prevalence is beginning to take control of its epidemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday. Results from a survey in Swaziland show that the country nearly halved the rate of new HIV infections between 2011 and 2016. In addition, rates of HIV "viral load suppression" - a decrease in the amount of the virus in patients' blood - doubled. The CDC said this means that a targeted strategy for HIV in the country is working. Swaziland is not the only country making progress. Surveys released in December 2016 show that 87 per cent of people diagnosed with HIV in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe were on treatment, and almost 89 per cent of them saw viral suppression. The improvements in fighting HIV are attributed in part to the International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs (ICAP) and the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). ICAP was founded in 2003 at Columbia University. According to the CDC, it is a global leader in strengthening HIV health systems. PEPFAR was created by former US President George W Bush in 2003 and has since received two reauthorizations from Congress, according to its website. PEPFAR is the largest commitment by a nation to address one single disease in history, according to the CDC. "PEPFAR has saved and improved millions of lives, accelerating progress toward controlling and ultimately ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat," the CDC release read. --SPA 21:50 LOCAL TIME 18:50 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w452839