HIV
The fight against HIV/AIDS in South Africa has been an arduous and ongoing battle for many years. However, a glimmer of hope has emerged from the latest data released by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). The sixth South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behavior Survey (SABSSM VI) revealed a decrease in the percentage of people living with HIV from 14% in 2017 to 12.7% in 2022.
This decline is a significant milestone, symbolizing the progress made towards ending the HIV epidemic in South Africa. The survey paints a picture of a country in transition, with more people being aware of their HIV status and receiving appropriate treatment.
## Factors Contributing to the Decrease in HIV Prevalence
Professor Khangelani Zuma, the Divisional Executive of the Public Health, Societies, and Belonging Division at HSRC, highlighted several factors contributing to the decline in HIV prevalence. These include reduced HIV infections, an increase in the number of HIV-negative births, and improved AIDS-related mortality rates. Additionally, the aging population of people living with HIV is now living longer, leading to a stabilization of the epidemic curve.
One particularly positive outcome is the increase in the population of HIV-negative babies, which contributes to the overall reduction in HIV prevalence. The survey also emphasized the importance of the new treatment guidelines that provided immediate access to antiretroviral treatment for all individuals requiring HIV treatment.
## Progress Towards UNAIDS Targets
The 2022 survey also showcased significant progress towards the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) 95-95-95 targets. These targets aim for 95% of all people living with HIV to be aware of their status, 95% of those aware of their status to be on antiretroviral treatment (ART), and 95% of those on ART to achieve viral load suppression.
The findings revealed that 90% of individuals aged 15 and older living with HIV were aware of their status, with 91% of those individuals receiving ART and 94% achieving viral suppression.
## Addressing the Gaps
While the data indicates progress, there are still significant gaps in addressing the HIV epidemic in South Africa. The impact of the epidemic remains unequal across geographic regions and populations, particularly affecting black Africans, women, and young people.
HIV prevalence varies geographically, with the highest rates recorded in KwaZulu-Natal and the lowest in the Western Cape. Additionally, women and young people are disproportionately affected, with HIV prevalence being nearly twice as high among women and varying significantly among different age groups.
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