How Many People Are Living With HIV In South Africa? Study Find Answer

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) recently published the Sixth South African HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behaviour Survey (SABSSM VI), offering fresh insights into HIV prevalence and efforts to combat the epidemic.

Conducted between 2022 and 2023, the survey assesses HIV infection rates, behaviors, and progress towards the UNAIDS 2030 targets in South Africa.

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Key Findings of the SABSSM VI Survey

The SABSSM VI survey measures HIV prevalence, viral load suppression, and access to HIV-related services among both adults and children. It evaluates South Africa’s progress towards the 2030 UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, which aim for:

1. 95% of people living with HIV to know their status
2. 95% of those diagnosed to receive antiretroviral treatment (ART)
3. 95% of those on ART to achieve viral suppression

HIV Prevalence by Region

• Western Cape: Lowest HIV prevalence at 7.4% in 2022, translating to 540,000 people living with HIV (PLHIV). Prevalence remains higher in the 25-49 age group, with 10.8%.
• Northern Cape: The second-lowest prevalence at 8.9%, with 120,000 PLHIV. Higher prevalence is noted among females aged 15-24 and 25-49 years.
• Mpumalanga: The highest HIV prevalence, at 17.4%, equates to approximately 890,000 PLHIV. Among adults aged 25-49, the prevalence is notably high at 26.4%.

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Overall HIV Trends and Statistics

In 2022, South Africa had an estimated 7.8 million PLHIV, with a national HIV prevalence rate of 16.3% among adults 15 years and older. The data show that HIV prevalence is almost twice as high in females (20.3%) compared to males (11.5%).

• By Race: HIV prevalence is highest among Black Africans (19.8%), followed by Coloured (5.1%), White (1.3%), and Indian/Asian (1.2%).
• Viral Load Suppression (VLS): Among PLHIV aged 15+, VLS was achieved by 81.2% overall, with higher rates among females (82.9%) compared to males (77.6%). However, the youth (15-24 years) showed a lower VLS at 70.1%.

Progress Towards 95-95-95 Targets

South Africa’s HIV strategy aligns with UNAIDS targets, with notable achievements reported:

1. Diagnosis Rates: 90% of PLHIV aged 15+ know their HIV-positive status, with slightly higher awareness among females (92%) than males (85%).
2. Treatment Access: Among those aware of their status, 91% are receiving ART, showing similar rates for both genders.
3. Viral Suppression: Among PLHIV on ART, 94% achieved viral suppression, a critical milestone in managing the epidemic.

Addressing HIV-Related Stigma and Advancements

Professor Khangelani Zuma, the survey’s principal investigator, emphasized that despite progress, HIV-related stigma remains a concern.

Reducing stigma is crucial for improving quality of life for PLHIV, though positive attitudes towards PLHIV have shown improvement.

Encouragingly, the survey also highlights overall declines in HIV prevalence since 2017.

The survey’s household response rate was an impressive 80%, with 47,766 participants contributing blood samples, achieving a testing response rate of 62.7%.

According to Professor Zuma, the stabilization of HIV prevalence and improved treatment outcomes signal advancements in combating HIV in South Africa.

Recommendations for Reducing HIV by 2030

To reach the 2030 targets and reduce HIV as a public health threat, the study recommends:

• Focus on Adolescent Girls and Young Women: Prioritize programs to prevent new infections among young women and girls, who are disproportionately affected.
• Intensify Community Outreach: Expand awareness and testing to reach the UNAIDS goals.
• Support for Youth and Rural Areas: Enhance access to HIV services in rural areas and among young people, addressing gaps in viral suppression rates.

The HSRC’s SABSSM VI survey underlines significant strides South Africa has made in HIV management, but also identifies key areas that need targeted interventions to meet the 2030 UNAIDS goals.