ARVs in our water: What's going wrong with treatment?
However, it has also warned of serious risks linked to irresponsible wastewater treatment.
This follows the release of a report by the University of the North West, which found significant levels of ARVs in rivers and tap water, particularly downstream of wastewater treatment plants.
Spokesperson Foster Mohale told IOL that the discovery reflects good ARV adherence among patients, but he stressed that stakeholders responsible for cleaning water must act with greater responsibility.
'The discovery is a net positive because it shows that people are taking the life-saving medicine,' said Mohale.
'But the responsibility lies with those who deal with wastewater. They need to find a way to address this issue.'
Mohale noted that poorly treated water poses serious health risks to the public.
He said the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) must ensure proper treatment of household wastewater before it re-enters the environment.
The research found that ARVs caused abnormal embryonic development in freshwater snails.
It also showed that the drugs disrupted vital bacteria-controlling viruses.
The presence of ARVs, the report warned, could interfere with metabolic systems across species.
The researchers also flagged potential health risks for humans, especially in areas where ARV levels exceeded acceptable thresholds in drinking water.
The study noted that humans could ingest these drugs or their breakdown products through tap water or aquatic organisms like fish.
The Department of Water and Sanitation has acknowledged the findings.
Spokesperson Wisane Mavasa said municipal wastewater systems likely allow ARVs to enter water sources.
She added these systems were not built to remove pharmaceutical compounds.
She said that the department would engage with the University of the North West, the Water Research Commission, and the Department of Health to discuss the findings and assess possible impacts.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
5 hours ago
- The South African
'No health risk': Government assures after ARVs were found in water sources
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has assured the public that the presence of anti-retroviral (ARV) residues in drinking water poses no health risk and cannot result in HIV transmission. This comes as a study conducted by the North West University (NWU) found measurable levels of ARV residues in some of the country's water sources. The report by the NWU's Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management and the Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research, titled 'Quantification, Fate, and Hazard Assessment of HIV-ARVs in Water Resources', revealed that ARVs are entering the water supply primarily through municipal wastewater treatment systems. As per the study, the most detected ARVs included lopinavir and efavirenz, with concentrations at some sites far exceeding global norms. The study found that concentrations of ARVs in some water sources exceeded acceptable thresholds, posing potential long-term health risks to humans, and the team emphasised that the current wastewater treatment processes are inadequate for removing these bioactive compounds, highlighting the need for technological advancements. Higher concentrations of traces of ARVs were found downstream of wastewater treatment plants. This means that the municipal wastewater treatment works are not removing them, because most existing wastewater treatment works have not been designed to remove contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), the Department of Water and Sanitation, together with the Water Research Commission, said in a joint statement. Low concentrations of ARVs were found in some of the drinking water samples. There is a possibility that high concentrations of ARVs in sewage or municipal wastewater might reduce the effectiveness of the wastewater treatment works in removing bacteria from the wastewater. Further research is required in this regard. Following concerns, the Department of Water and Sanitation and the Water Research Commission have clarified that the presence of ARV residues in drinking water is harmless, 'although prolonged exposure to the broader population may lead to antimicrobial resistance, a subject of ongoing research. Pharmaceuticals such as ARVs are drugs used to treat diseases – they do not cause diseases. Therefore, the presence of traces of ARVs in the water will not result in people contracting HIV.' 'At present, there is limited knowledge of environmental toxicity, potential adverse effects on ecosystems, and viral resistance of these compounds. The study did not find any ARVs in fish.' According to DWS, the issue of contaminants of emerging concern in water not only affects South Africa but is a growing global problem and area of attention around the world. Globally, the level of CEC compounds in water is generally not yet regulated. This is partly due to their presence often being below water quality detection limits. However, due to their continuous production, lack of appropriate disposal, constant input into the environment and presence in water resources, albeit in small concentrations, there is now increasing global research into the issue. 'Traces of pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and other such CECs that have been found in water resources in South Africa are tiny quantities, measured in nanograms (one billionth of a gram). Conventional water and wastewater treatment technologies are designed to remove much larger contaminants, such as particles of faeces and bacteria,' the department added. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
12 hours ago
- IOL News
Addressing the shortcomings of traditional models in caregiving
Traditional work models, where facilities directly recruit and employ caregivers, often struggle with operational logistics in continuity of care and training. Image: Supplied The demands placed on South African frail care and retirement villages are tougher than ever. These establishments must consistently provide high-quality care while addressing persistent staffing issues and adapting to an increasingly complex regulatory environment. The limitations of traditional care models heavily reliant on individually employed caregivers can no longer be ignored. In response, a strategic shift towards collaborating with experienced healthcare professional service agencies is gaining momentum, providing a welcome pathway for facilities to greatly enhance care provision, optimise operational workflows, and mitigate potential liabilities. Addressing the shortcomings of traditional models Modern senior care facilities face growing challenges that necessitate efficient resource management. Rising operating costs, stricter regulatory demands, and persistent staffing shortages (particularly for specialised roles) create significant operational burdens. To maintain high standards of care and ensure resident well-being, facilities must adopt innovative solutions that address both operational and care-related needs. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Exceptional care can only be built on personalised attention, and outsourcing allows facilities to raise their care standards by accessing a pool of highly trained and compliant caregivers in collaboration with a reputable healthcare professional staffing services provider. The right agency partner makes it possible for facilities to prioritise personalised care, ensuring each resident receives the attention required for the best outcomes. Putting personalised care at the top of the quality scaleCaregiving agencies have an important role to play in implementing robust care plans in collaboration with doctors. By placing caregivers who work under the instructions of the facility's matron or registered nurse, agencies assume responsibility for ensuring care plans are followed diligently, while clinical facilitators provide continuous training that ensures caregivers are competent and confident in their roles. Such a collaborative approach greatly enhances resident well-being and safety. With the expertise of such specialist agencies, retirement villages and frail care facilities can be assured that consistent, high-quality care will be delivered, a critical factor in building trust with residents and their families. Ensuring competency, continuity of care and flexibility Traditional work models, where facilities directly recruit and employ caregivers, often struggle with operational logistics in continuity of care and training. Here, staffing shortages due to unforeseen absences can greatly disrupt daily routines. In contrast, partnering with a staffing solutions organisation provides access to a reliable pool of caregivers on demand. A professional agency partner handles all scheduling requirements while ensuring extra caregivers are oriented to the facility. This enables quick replacements (often within two hours) to minimise disruptions and maintain consistent care, while such flexibility also gives the facility the room to scale up or down on caregiving resources in direct response to the changing needs of residents without significant cost. Critically, a key benefit of partnering with a staffing provider is the comprehensive administrative relief they offer. Agencies manage the entire recruitment process, onboarding, payroll, and continuous training, freeing facilities from these burdens. Here, the agency steps in to simplify processes and mitigate risk by handling everything from start to finish, with thorough criminal and reference checks to minimise security risks and comprehensive recruitment processes that ensure caregivers are proficient in English and possess the necessary skills and attributes for the job. Outsourcing to continually enhance personalised care standards One of the most compelling advantages to partnering with a staffing services agency is the fact that the facility has guaranteed access to pre-screened, trained, and compliant caregivers who have been through a rigorous upskilling course to ensure they are well-prepared for the frail care environment. The right staffing partner takes time to understand each facility's unique needs and matches caregivers accordingly, with business unit managers actively participating in the selection process to ensure the perfect fit. Equipped with comprehensive training on essential skills, including dementia care, palliative care and rehabilitation, these caregivers can address the specific needs of residents with confidence and compassion. Their specialised training relieves pressure on facilities and ensures residents receive appropriate care, which enhances family satisfaction. The right partner also employs clinical facilitators designated to provide on-site training and support, so that the facility is assured that caregivers are up to date with the latest care practices and technologies to continuously enhance the overall quality of care. Facilities benefit from collaborative training opportunities, further upskilling their staff at no additional cost. Significantly, these specialised care services can supplement the core offerings of the facility to better meet the diverse needs of residents, attract a broader clientele and strengthen their market position. An essential shift towards high-quality care For the future of senior care, strategic partnerships with healthcare staffing providers are no longer optional, but essential. These collaborations ensure the long-term success of retirement villages and frail care facilities by optimising staffing, enhancing care, and mitigating risks. They are the foundation for delivering exceptional resident experiences and building a culture of safety and trust. These partnerships will allow facilities to meet the demands of today, while building a forward-thinking model for the dignified and compassionate senior care of tomorrow. Dianne Boyd, Branch Manager at Allmed Healthcare Professionals
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- TimesLIVE
Trump's chronic venous insufficiency mirrors trend in SA, says doctor
US President Donald Trump's diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency is not unusual and mirrors a growing trend among ageing South Africans, according to a Durban vascular surgeon at Lenmed eThekwini Hospital and Heart Centre. Dr Vinesh Padayachy said the condition, where blood struggles to flow back from the legs to the heart is frequently seen in South African men and women over the age of 70. 'This isn't unique to Trump. We see hundreds of patients a year with the same issue here at home. It's a progressive condition linked to ageing, sedentary lifestyle, weight gain and even genetics. In South Africa, with rising rates of obesity and diabetes, we're seeing more cases, and sometimes at younger ages.' The White House on Thursday announced Trump underwent medical testing after he had been seen with deep bruises on his hand and swollen legs. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency. 'The president underwent a comprehensive examination including diagnostic vascular studies, bilateral lower extremity intravenous doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70,' said Leavitt. Doctors ruled out any major concerns such as blood clots or cardiac issues, confirming only venous insufficiency. Padayachy said that was an important distinction. 'The real concern would've been if it was deep vein thrombosis or signs of heart failure. But in this case, the diagnosis is straightforward and treatable.' Symptoms often include swelling, heaviness, fatigue in the legs and, in some cases, visible varicose veins or skin darkening. 'In South Africa, especially in the public sector, many patients ignore the early signs because it seems minor until ulcers or infections develop. By then, treatment becomes more complex,' he said. Padayachy said while photos of swelling may alarm the public, the condition does not indicate failing health. 'At Trump's age, this is expected. It doesn't suggest he's unfit or unwell. If anything, it's a wake-up call for many South Africans to take leg health seriously especially if they sit or stand for long hours without movement.' He noted that truck drivers, teachers, factory workers and office staff are often at risk. Treatment involves compression stockings, elevating the legs, light daily movement and avoiding long periods of sitting or standing. 'Treatment also includes minimally invasive procedures to seal off the vein that is not working. These procedures can be done in a vascular surgeons' rooms as a walk-in, walk-out procedure,' added Padayachy.
