Latest news with #HSRC
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
HIV treatment reaches millions in South Africa, but critical gaps threaten progress
Despite South Africa making world-leading strides for HIV testing rates, new data reveals that tens of thousands of people still begin treatment dangerously late Image: Supplied Despite South Africa making world-leading strides for HIV testing rates, new data reveals that tens of thousands of people still begin treatment dangerously late — and over a million have stopped taking their life-saving medication altogether. This is according to the latest estimates from Thembisa 4.7, South Africa's most sophisticated HIV modelling tool. Thembisa 4.7 synthesises multiple data sources including Stats SA's 2022 Census and the HSRC's latest national HIV survey. To understand the numbers, we need to understand what viral suppression is and what it means for South Africans. What is viral suppression? When someone living with HIV takes their medication regularly, the amount of virus in their blood can drop so low that it's undetectable. This is known as 'viral suppression.' This is a good thing, as it keeps people healthy and prevents the virus from spreading to others. Are South Africans on ART reaching viral suppression? According to the data, in South Africa, viral suppression varies by province and by person. Researchers used patient data from a global HIV research network called IeDEA, as well as South Africa's own TIER health system, to understand how well antiretroviral therapy (ART) is working in different provinces. However, not everyone had their viral load (amount of virus in the blood) measured and recorded. So scientists used a method called Bayesian analysis to fill in the blanks based on patterns they saw in the data they did have. Scientists found that viral suppression rates dropped after 2009, but have been improving since 2013. According to the data, women tend to have better suppression rates than men and older adults (age 50 and above) are doing better than younger people. They also found that those who started treatment earlier — when their immune systems were still strong — had better outcomes. The study indicates that the Western Cape and Free State are performing better than average, while other provinces, like Limpopo and Eastern Cape, are lagging behind. For example, in Limpopo, patients had 46% lower odds of viral suppression compared to the reference group. Meanwhile, the Western Cape had 22% higher odds than average. 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 ✕ What about missing data? As mentioned previously, not everyone had their viral load measured and recorded, which could make the official numbers look better or worse than they really are. To deal with this, the researchers estimated what might be happening with patients who didn't have test results. On average, people without a recorded viral load were slightly less likely to be virally suppressed — but not always by much. Alarming statistics In 2023, an estimated 7.8 million people — or 12.6% of the population — were living with HIV in South Africa. Of those, 5.9 million were on ART, leaving roughly 2 million untreated. Worryingly, about 1 million of the untreated population had previously started treatment but later disengaged, signalling deep cracks in the country's treatment retention strategy. Over 46,000 adults only started ART in 2023 after their CD4 counts had fallen below 200, a level that reflects advanced immune suppression and significantly increases the risk of life-threatening illnesses like tuberculosis. SA's progress on global 95-95-95 HIV targets South Africa has made notable progress toward the global 95-95-95 HIV targets. The targets aim to ensure that by 2025, 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment are virally suppressed. The country has already met the first goal, with 95.4% of people living with HIV diagnosed. However, only 78.7% of diagnosed individuals are currently on ART — far short of the second goal. Of those on treatment, 91.3% have achieved viral suppression, indicating strong medication efficacy — but when assessed across all people living with HIV, only 68.6% are virally suppressed. New infections are outpacing deaths There were 149,000 new HIV infections in 2023, down from over 500,000 annually in the early 2000s. Yet, with only 50,000 HIV-related deaths, the overall number of people living with HIV continues to climb — and is expected to rise for several years. On a positive note, more people are starting treatment than becoming newly infected. In 2023, 237,000 individuals began ART, creating a 1.6:1 ratio of treatment starts to new infections. But this ratio has declined from over 2:1 in the 2010s, suggesting momentum is slowing. Life expectancy continues to rise. After dropping to 53.6 years in 2004 at the height of the AIDS crisis, it has now climbed to 65.9 years in 2023 — 62.3 for men and 69.7 for women — largely due to ART scale-up. IOL
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Millions on HIV treatment — but alarming gaps remain, new SA data shows
Despite South Africa making world-leading strides for HIV testing rates, new data reveals that tens of thousands of people still begin treatment dangerously late Image: Supplied Despite South Africa making world-leading strides for HIV testing rates, new data reveals that tens of thousands of people still begin treatment dangerously late — and over a million have stopped taking their life-saving medication altogether. This is according to the latest estimates from Thembisa 4.7, South Africa's most sophisticated HIV modelling tool. Thembisa 4.7 synthesises multiple data sources including Stats SA's 2022 Census and the HSRC's latest national HIV survey. To understand the numbers, we need to understand what viral suppression is and what it means for South Africans. What is viral suppression? When someone living with HIV takes their medication regularly, the amount of virus in their blood can drop so low that it's undetectable. This is known as 'viral suppression.' This is a good thing, as it keeps people healthy and prevents the virus from spreading to others. Are South Africans on ART reaching viral suppression? According to the data, in South Africa, viral suppression varies by province and by person. Researchers used patient data from a global HIV research network called IeDEA, as well as South Africa's own TIER health system, to understand how well antiretroviral therapy (ART) is working in different provinces. However, not everyone had their viral load (amount of virus in the blood) measured and recorded. So scientists used a method called Bayesian analysis to fill in the blanks based on patterns they saw in the data they did have. Scientists found that viral suppression rates dropped after 2009, but have been improving since 2013. According to the data, women tend to have better suppression rates than men and older adults (age 50 and above) are doing better than younger people. They also found that those who started treatment earlier — when their immune systems were still strong — had better outcomes. The study indicates that the Western Cape and Free State are performing better than average, while other provinces, like Limpopo and Eastern Cape, are lagging behind. For example, in Limpopo, patients had 46% lower odds of viral suppression compared to the reference group. Meanwhile, the Western Cape had 22% higher odds than average. 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 ✕ What about missing data? As mentioned previously, not everyone had their viral load measured and recorded, which could make the official numbers look better or worse than they really are. To deal with this, the researchers estimated what might be happening with patients who didn't have test results. On average, people without a recorded viral load were slightly less likely to be virally suppressed — but not always by much. Alarming statistics In 2023, an estimated 7.8 million people — or 12.6% of the population — were living with HIV in South Africa. Of those, 5.9 million were on ART, leaving roughly 2 million untreated. Worryingly, about 1 million of the untreated population had previously started treatment but later disengaged, signalling deep cracks in the country's treatment retention strategy. Over 46,000 adults only started ART in 2023 after their CD4 counts had fallen below 200, a level that reflects advanced immune suppression and significantly increases the risk of life-threatening illnesses like tuberculosis. SA's progress on global 95-95-95 HIV targets South Africa has made notable progress toward the global 95-95-95 HIV targets. The targets aim to ensure that by 2025, 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment are virally suppressed. The country has already met the first goal, with 95.4% of people living with HIV diagnosed. However, only 78.7% of diagnosed individuals are currently on ART — far short of the second goal. Of those on treatment, 91.3% have achieved viral suppression, indicating strong medication efficacy — but when assessed across all people living with HIV, only 68.6% are virally suppressed. New infections are outpacing deaths There were 149,000 new HIV infections in 2023, down from over 500,000 annually in the early 2000s. Yet, with only 50,000 HIV-related deaths, the overall number of people living with HIV continues to climb — and is expected to rise for several years. On a positive note, more people are starting treatment than becoming newly infected. In 2023, 237,000 individuals began ART, creating a 1.6:1 ratio of treatment starts to new infections. But this ratio has declined from over 2:1 in the 2010s, suggesting momentum is slowing. Life expectancy continues to rise. After dropping to 53.6 years in 2004 at the height of the AIDS crisis, it has now climbed to 65.9 years in 2023 — 62.3 for men and 69.7 for women — largely due to ART scale-up. IOL
Daily Maverick
22-05-2025
- Daily Maverick
Rural nonprofit boosts fight against gender-based violence and femicide scourge in Eastern Cape
An organisation that primarily focuses on farming as a means to food security and upskilling has had to add the fight against gender-based violence because of its prevalence in rural communities. One in three South African women aged 16 and older has experienced physical violence, while one in five has faced sexual abuse. And a Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) report has revealed that 33.1% of women aged 18 and older have endured physical violence in their lifetime Deputy President Paul Mashatile has joined the chorus of those condemning 'the inhumane treatment of victims', referring to one recent case in particular that shocked the country, involving a seven-year-old girl from Matatiele, known as 'Cwecwe'. Asanda Nginase is a project officer with the Border Rural Committee based in East London. It's a rural development nonprofit but has found an ever-greater need to include gender-based violence-sensitive programmes due to the scourge in the communities with which they work. She started in the organisation's admin department 16 years ago, but says the calling to work with communities was always there. 'I always had the passion to work directly with communities. Over the years, I familiarised myself with community engagement, mobilisation, facilitation and project management under our programmes' department supervision.' The Border Rural Committee is a membership-based land reform and rural development NGO working in the central and eastern parts of the Eastern Cape, primarily on food security projects aimed especially at women in rural areas. The project provides support through inputs and training for small-scale farmers for their own consumption and selling. Nginase says that 'geographically, and by default, rural communities are at a disadvantage in that they have limited resources and opportunities. Food security is critical in creating resilience in rural communities at a time where there is economic and political instability both nationally and globally. 'It is essential that land and other natural resources are used to create thriving rural economies, where food is locally produced, where markets and other services are created. Furthermore, rural communities must adapt to climate change where strategies to prevent food insecurity are implemented in a more preventative approach rather than responsive. This is why BRC has focused on capacity building in agroecological practices and financial management in the women-led household gardens,' she says. In the Eastern Cape, the intensity of poverty is 43.3%, according to Operation Hunger. The youth unemployment rate (15 to 34 years) reached 62.6%, while 45.5% of the labour force have not completed secondary education, with 60.6% of households relying on grants. These figures make development and upskilling projects crucial to shift the living conditions in communities. When asked what kind of intervention people respond positively to, Nginase singled out their food security programme as it seeks to reduce economic vulnerability, which is often a factor contributing to GBV and femicide (GBVF). 'The supply of inputs and training to households has created independence, self-realisation and self-awareness to various beneficiaries who are women heading households and survivors of GBV,' says Nginase. Although the scourge of GBV cuts across socioeconomic classes, Nginase says the Border Rural Committee has included GBV awareness and education in its programmes due to the high prevalence they encounter in communities. 'Women empowerment is at the forefront of our agenda, hence the focus on household gardens from disadvantaged women-led households. However, food security is not the only challenge faced by women in rural areas. GBV is notably at its highest in rural Eastern Cape. 'BRC designed a multifaceted approach of addressing food insecurity and gender-based violence through empowering women. Another approach implemented by BRC in addressing the GBV scourge is engagement with men and boys on patriarchy and toxic masculinity,' Nginase says. In mid-May, women braved the chilly autumn weather to attend one of the sessions the Border Rural Committee has in a programme to fight against GBVF in partnership with victim empowerment centres. The committee supports the centres in building their capacity, governance, resources and joint delivery of GBVF activities. They work with 15 victim empowerment centres through the established Isibane network. A four-day capacity building programme, besides dealing with legal aspects, also aims to support girls with school uniforms, transport to access counselling services and other school needs. 'We encourage the education of the girl child who is a survivor of this pandemic. BRC is continuing with the effort to fundraise from the private sector and public to support this initiative, among others working together with Lavuka Ithemba Women and Children Support Centre. 'The committee always collaborates with stakeholders such as the SAPS, traditional council members, Eastern Cape Social Development and the Smiling Valley community,' Nginase says. 'Government and civil society interventions need to be coordinated and collaborative. In addition, intervention must be on implementing approaches that are sustainable and that can create and provide reliable food security.' DM
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Science
- IOL News
SA universities rely on foreign academics while local scholars remain stuck
Unemployed graduates Graduate unemployment also remains a concern. According to Statistics South Africa, 11.3% of graduates were unemployed in 2024. South Africa's universities are increasingly turning to foreign academics to fill key teaching and research roles, while many qualified South African scholars remain unemployed, underemployed, or stuck in junior positions for years. The trend, evident across major institutions, is raising alarm among local academics and education experts who warn that the country is failing to support and retain its intellectual talent. A recent report by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) found that one in five South African academics have considered leaving the country in the past five years, with many citing better working conditions and salaries abroad. This brain drain is leaving gaps in the academic system that universities are filling with foreign lecturers and professors. According to Universities South Africa (USAf), foreign nationals now make up more than 12% of academic staff at public universities, with higher concentrations in science, engineering, and health faculties.
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Billions' worth of weight loss and diabetes medications reached SA shelves and patients in 2024
International tracking data revealed the monetary value of the prescription meds distributed in South Africa. The staggering cost of prescription medications distributed in South Africa has shed light on the nation's physical and mental well-being. Data shows that USD2.28 billion worth of prescription medications – R41.3 billion based on this week's exchange rate – were distributed in South Africa in 2024. Physical health is tied to mental health, with a previous government study stating that 16% of the population was suffering from mental health issues. Ozempic and diabetes The list of the top 20 medications distributed in the country accounted for R5.7 billion of the total, with the remaining pharmaceutical treatments amounting to R35.6 billion. The figures were shared with The Citizen by IQVIA, a leading international healthcare data and analytics firm. Medications for diabetes and weight loss made up roughly 30% of the top 20 medications, with HIV-related medications accounting for a further 20%. At least R3.4 billion worth of diabetic or weight loss medications reached shelves and patients, with top-seller Ozempic accounting for R636 million of that figure. The remaining leaders of prescription medications were for cancer treatments, antibiotics, renal care and arthritis. The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) stated in 2024 that over 50% of South Africans were overweight or obese. 'Carrying excess weight poses a number of health risks. It increases the dangers of high blood pressure, high triglyceride levels, coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, sleep apnoea, and respiratory problems,' stated the HSRC. Counselling before meds Psychologists have illustrated the link between physical and mental well-being, stressing that alternatives to medications exist. 'We do know that Ozempic works on that addictive part of the brain, and we do have a big eating issue in South Africa,' said counselling psychologist Ereen Mitchell. 'We have a lack of understanding of what is good for us in terms of food and people get frustrated at the lack of information, which leads to a reliance on medications,' Mitchell told The Citizen. The Florida-based psychologist said she takes a holistic, multidisciplinary approach with her patients, working with their doctors to ensure the patients are honest about their intake. 'We see how the patient can set out a better eating plan and a better lifestyle and what can be achieved in steps,' Mitchell said, adding that it was one part of a larger treatment method. When considering medication, Mitchell said it was dependent on the individual and is designed to be a short-term approach, but adds that patients are prone to not sticking to their prescriptions. Only when symptoms severe Like Mitchell, Dr. Donny Fick from Meldene Medicross said medication for mental health conditions is typically considered when symptoms are moderate to severe, or when the patient's safety is at risk. 'For mild cases, counselling, therapy and lifestyle changes are usually tried first. In the acute phase of managing stress and anxiety, we use anxiolytics like benzodiazepine,' Dr Fick told The Citizen. 'Note that these are for short-term use and should be prescribed with caution as they are habit-forming,' he added. 'If they need further medical intervention after the acute phase, or longer-term treatment, we will then use antidepressants. Some of those could cause weight gain and a loss of libido,' he explained. Stats 'underestimated' Fedhealth Principal Officer Jeremy Yatt stated that 3991 of their members had a chronic registration for depression and depression with no psychosis. This accounted for 4% of their clients, while a further 2% were registered to receive prescriptions for bipolar mood disorder and generalised anxiety disorder. The scheme also serves a portion of members with other mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder. 'These figures are underestimated, as not all plan options cover out-of-hospital medication for depression, which is not considered a chronic disease list,' Yatt told The Citizen. 'Not all patients seek assistance either and stats show that woman are more likely to register for support for mental health,' he added. Fedhealth paid out R5.8 million for depression medication, with the top three medications being Lexamil, Cilift and Nuzak. Fedhealth showed that admission to wellness facilities costs roughly R28 000 on average, and the average stay for mental health support lasts 10 days. Mental health figures While the rate of admission had dropped between 2023 and 2024, the National Planning Commission stated in 2024 that nearly 16% of the population suffered some sort of mental health issues. Additionally, Discovery Health had previously stated that payouts for mental health-related issues had increased by 224% over a ten-year period. Discovery told The Citizen that 58% of their clients claiming for mental health issues do so for antidepressants, while 22% are on anxiolytics, and 20% take antipsychotics. Of those being treated for depression, 50% take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, while 88% of those being treated for anxiety take benzodiazepine derivatives. Alternatives The psychologists suggested counselling, mindfulness practices, yoga or in severe cases psychotherapy, as alternatives to medication. Mitchell suggested sleep, exercise, cognitive behavioural therapies (CBTs), interpersonal therapies and even exposure to hallucinogenic treatments in extreme cases. 'CBTs involve integrating your emotions and your thoughts and evaluating how that alters your behaviour by replacing negative thoughts with more adaptive thoughts,' Mitchell said. On how to avoid prescription medication abuse by a patient, Dr Fick said it was important to closely monitor the situation. 'This is in the hands of the prescribing doctor, not to overprescribe. It is vital to council appropriately and to do regular follow-ups and check-ups,' he concluded. NOW READ: More than half of SA employees diagnosed with mental health issues linked to work
