Study detects ARVs in water sources
And North West University researchers have completed a ground-breaking study that sheds light on the implications.
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IOL News
7 days ago
- IOL News
South Africa's HIV Response: Hope, Tools, and Resolve
South Africa has the world's largest HIV treatment programme, with over 5.5 million people receiving antiretrovirals (ARVs). Yet we still see more than 100 000 new HIV infections each year. That is unacceptable — and preventable. Image: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers Earlier this month, more than 3,600 scientists, activists, policymakers, and journalists gathered in Kigali, Rwanda, for the 13th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Science. It was the first time this major global event took place in an African city outside South Africa, marking a powerful recognition of the continent's critical role in the global HIV response. The conference came on the heels of deeply concerning news: in January, the US government announced sharp cuts to funding for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a move that cast a long shadow over the global fight against HIV, particularly in Africa. The numbers are staggering: of the 40.8 million people living with HIV globally, over 26 million (65%) are in Africa. And more than half of all new infections in 2024 occurred on the continent. A Call to Stay the Course Despite fears about reduced funding, the mood in Kigali was one of resolve. Delegates affirmed their commitment to ending HIV, recognising the extraordinary progress made in Eastern and Southern Africa. Many echoed a common sentiment: "We cannot stop now. We must fight to the end", emphasising the need for sustained commitment and effort to achieve an AIDS-free future. That optimism was reinforced by encouraging developments. The pharmaceutical company Gilead announced that Lenacapavir, a new HIV prevention drug administered via two injections a year, has shown high efficacy in clinical trials. If made widely accessible, this could be a game-changer— especially for those who struggle with daily pill regimens. Further hope came when the US Congress ultimately approved continued PEPFAR funding, although uncertainties remain around the duration and scope of future support. 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 What This Means for South Africa South Africa has the world's largest HIV treatment programme, with over 5.5 million people receiving antiretrovirals (ARVs). Yet we still see more than 100 000 new HIV infections each year. That is unacceptable — and preventable. To address this, the government launched the '1.1 Million Campaign' in February to close the gap between those who know their HIV status and those who are virally suppressed. But for this initiative to succeed, we need national mobilisation. Every political leader, community organiser, religious institution, and employer must actively support the campaign. Unfortunately, media coverage has been limited, and public awareness remains low. Doing More with Less With reductions in funding from the Global Fund and PEPFAR, and despite increased domestic investment, every rand in our HIV response must count. Managers and community activists in the health and social development sectors must track data rigorously: Who is being tested? Who is on treatment? Who is virally suppressed? Who is using Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) — and who should be, but isn't? We must also stand firm against stigma. There is no justification for discrimination against people living with HIV or those using preventive treatments like PrEP. They are taking responsible steps to protect themselves and others. They should be commended and supported, not shamed. The Tools Are in Our Hands We now have powerful tools to fight HIV. HIV self-test kits are available free at public clinics and affordable at private pharmacies. Oral PrEP— a once-a-day pill to prevent HIV — is also free at government health facilities. And injectable PrEP, which could significantly improve adherence, is expected to be available next year. Condoms remain a highly effective prevention method. Let's not forget—they also prevent sexually transmitted infections like syphilis and gonorrhoea and help avoid unplanned pregnancies. They are free at all public clinics. Let's also remember the link between HIV and tuberculosis (TB). People with HIV are more susceptible to TB. If you have symptoms or have been in contact with someone with TB, get tested. Early detection saves lives. Health Is Everyone's Business Building a healthier South Africa is not just about medicine—it is about national prosperity. A healthy population is more productive, more resilient, and more able to seize economic opportunity. Each of us has a role to play in protecting our health and the health of our communities. Let's work together to end HIV. The finish line is in sight—but only if we don't stop now. Prof Yogan Pillay is the Director for HIV and TB delivery at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He was previously the Country Director of the Clinton Health Access Initiative in South Africa and senior director for universal health coverage. He has worked in various capacities at the National Department of Health. In 2021, the University of Cape Town awarded him an honorary doctorate, and in the same year, he was appointed extraordinary professor in the Division of Health Systems and Public Health, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University. Foster Mohale is the National Department of Health Spokesperson
The South African
20-07-2025
- 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
19-07-2025
- IOL News
Department of Water and Sanitation reassures ARV traces in water pose no health threat
Despite trace levels of ARVs detected in some sources, the Department of Water and Sanitation says South Africa's drinking water remains safe and compliant with health standards. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has assured the public that there is no health risk following the detection of trace amounts of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs in some of South Africa's rivers and drinking water sources. The findings stem from a Water Research Commission (WRC) study conducted by North West University to investigate contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). 'The presence of ARV residues in drinking water is harmless,' DWS said, adding that the levels found were extremely low, measured in nanograms, or one-billionth of a gram per litre. '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.' According to the report, traces of ARVs were detected in river systems and in a few treated water samples, with higher concentrations found downstream of municipal wastewater treatment plants.
