Millions of South Africans battling HIV have found a glimmer of hope in life-prolonging medications that are significantly altering their life trajectories.
Over the past six years, the prevalence of HIV in South Africa has witnessed a reduction of 1.3%, thanks to the widespread availability of treatment.
The latest survey conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) revealed that the number of individuals living with HIV decreased from 7.9 million in 2017 to about 7.8 million in 2022, emphasizing a positive shift in the fight against the epidemic.
Despite South Africa’s status as the global epicentre of the disease, the populace is experiencing longer lifespans, consequently contributing to a more robust and stable workforce, marking a substantial departure from the past.
Notably, KwaZulu-Natal holds the highest concentration of HIV-infected individuals, with the report from HSRC shedding light on the disconcerting trend of older men still transmitting the virus to young girls and women in the province.
Professor Khangelani Zuma, the Public Health Executive at HSRC, accentuated the deceleration in infection rates, attributing this phenomenon to various factors such as diminished HIV transmissions, a surge in HIV-negative births, a decline in AIDS-related mortalities, and natural causes accounting for the demise of HIV patients.
Furthermore, the survey underscored the early commencement of treatment without waiting for the CD4 count to drop below 500 cells, as a pivotal factor in the diminishing HIV-related fatalities.
The prevalence of male circumcision among 15 to 24-year-olds has also exhibited an uptick from 43% in 2017 to surpassing 50% in 2022, marking a significant milestone. Research has substantiated that male circumcision can potentially reduce the risk of heterosexual HIV transmission by approximately 60%, making this progress noteworthy.
As per the South African government news agency, the geographical distribution of HIV prevalence fluctuates, spanning from 8% in the Western Cape to a staggering 22% in KwaZulu-Natal among individuals aged 15 and older. Additionally, the prevalence of HIV is nearly double among women (20%) in comparison to men (12%).
In conclusion, the strides made in the battle against HIV in South Africa are not only instrumental in prolonging lives but also in reshaping communities and carving a pathway towards a healthier future for the nation.
