IN OTHER NEWS BY CHARNDRÉ EMMA KIPPIE
The State of AIDS in South Africa Looking beyond all the controversies towards more supportive measures across the nation A DECLINE IN INFECTIONS In 2020, almost 1 million people across the globe died from HIVrelated causes, and around 1.5 million people acquired HIV. Zooming in a bit closer to home, it has been recorded that South Africa has the largest HIV epidemic in the world - with 7.7 million people currently living with HIV. However, in recent months, HIV incidence has slowly been declining across sub-Saharan Africa. This comes as a result of a much-needed step up in preventative and transmissionblocking treatments. GLOBAL STATISTICS •
37.7 million [30.2 million–45.1 million] people, globally, were living with HIV in 2020.
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One in five of the world’s 37.7 million HIV-infected people lives in South Africa.
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28.2 million people were accessing antiretroviral therapy as of 30 June 2021.
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AIDS-related mortality has declined by 53% among women and girls and by 41% among men and boys since 2010.
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In sub-Saharan Africa, women and girls accounted for 63% of all new HIV infections in 2020.
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39% of new HIV infections were documented in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Each week in South Africa, 2,000 girls and women aged 15 to 34 are infected with HIV.
58 | Public Sector Leaders | December • January 2022
MAKING PROGRESS THROUGH ARVS The reduction in HIV transmission rates can largely be attributed to the efficacious national antiretroviral treatment (ART) programme and successful preventative tools. Researchers note that they are witnessing dynamic changes in the age distribution of HIV incidence in South Africa. Results in HIV studies are indicating that new infections are concentrating in those 25 years of age and older. Over the past four decades, we have witnessed amazing scientific and medical progress. Unfortunately, however, the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS still exists. Many infected individuals choose to avoid testing, and some even die in shame. One thing is clear: adequate knowledge and treatment is not reaching the
