This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
fact-checked
reputable news agency
proofread
Lessons from the country with the world's largest HIV epidemic
South Africa, with the world's biggest number of HIV cases, has in the last five years reduced the percentage of its population infected with the virus that causes the immune disease AIDS.
With an estimated 7.8 million people, or 12.7% of the population, living with the disease, the results of the 2022 South Africa HIV survey released this week by the Human Sciences Research Council shows "South Africa is on the right track," said Khangelani Zuma, the study's head investigator.
Still, the impact of the nation's HIV epidemic disproportionately affects Black South Africans, women and young people.
The results, released Monday, are helping South Africa design nuanced and regionally specific programs and can provide "learnings" for other countries battling the scourge, he said.
Here are some of the key findings:
- Of people 15 years and older living with the virus in South Africa, 90% were aware of their HIV-positive status, 91% of those aware of their status were on antiretroviral medication, and the virus was suppressed in 94% of those using this therapy.
- The better uptake of treatment follows changes in 2016 guidelines stating that anyone with HIV could immediately access treatment, whereas previously only people that were already quite ill were being given ARVs.
- By last year, half of all 15–24 year-old men were medically circumcised, compared to 43% in 2017. This is significant as studies have shown male circumcision can reduce the risk of heterosexual HIV transmission by about 60%.
- Even so, compared to men of the same age group, HIV prevalence was about two times higher in 15–24 year-old women and three times higher in 25–29 year-olds.
- While more babies are being born HIV-negative, because of gender-based violence and high teen pregnancy rates, young woman are among the most vulnerable and preventing transmission among this demographic is key.
- As people with HIV live longer, the interplay with HIV and aging related diseases becomes increasingly salient and needs to be considered.
2023 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
