7
By Phenyo Selinda
Mpumalanga has recorded the highest HIV prevalence rate in South Africa, with 17.4% of its population living with HIV, as revealed in the latest findings from the Sixth South African HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behaviour Survey (SABSSM VI) for 2022. This translates to approximately 890,000 people in the province affected by the epidemic. The results highlight urgent needs for targeted interventions, particularly among vulnerable groups, such as youth and individuals in rural areas, as antiretroviral treatment (ART) coverage continues to rise but gaps remain in treatment and prevention efforts.
Key Findings of the SABSSM VI Survey:
The 2022 data reveals alarming trends in Mpumalanga’s HIV epidemic. HIV prevalence among youth aged 15 to 24 was 7.8%, with the rate being 1.5 times higher in males (9.8%) than in females (6.3%). Among adults aged 25 to 49, the prevalence stood at 26.4%, and once again, females showed a higher prevalence (31.9%) compared to males (19.9%) .
Geographical disparities were also evident, with HIV rates being higher in rural areas—21.1% in rural formal areas and 18.4% in rural informal areas—compared to 15.5% in urban settings. Worryingly, the prevalence reached its peak at 40.8% among individuals aged 45 to 49, indicating ongoing new infections despite efforts to curb the spread of the virus .
Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) Coverage:
While ART coverage in Mpumalanga improved significantly—from 65.4% in 2017 to 81.8% in 2022—disparities remain. Approximately 630,000 people living with HIV in the province are on ART. ART use among adolescents and youth aged 15 to 24 is concerningly low, at only 56.4%, compared to 83.9% among those aged 25 to 49 . Gender differences are stark, with ART coverage among females aged 15 to 24 at 58.6%, while for males, it is only 54.8% .
Knowledge of HIV Status and Viral Suppression:
The SABSSM VI survey also pointed to gaps in awareness and treatment adherence. Among people living with HIV aged 25 to 49, over 62% were unaware of their HIV status. Furthermore, 63.5% were aware but not on ART, and 63.4% were on ART but not virally suppressed . Adolescents and youth aged 15 to 24 contributed less to these gaps but still showed concerning levels of treatment failure and lack of viral suppression .
Key Drivers of the HIV Epidemic:
In 2022, Mpumalanga reported a decrease in early sexual debut among youth, dropping from 13.3% in 2017 to 5.4% in 2022. However, males were more likely to engage in sexual activity before the age of 15 compared to females . Other key drivers of the HIV epidemic in the province include multiple sexual partners and inconsistent condom use. While 46.1% of people reported using a condom during their last sexual encounter, condom use was significantly lower in rural areas (26%) compared to urban areas (50.1%) .
Targeted Interventions and Recommendations:
The HSRC has called for focused interventions to address the high HIV prevalence in Mpumalanga. Specific attention should be given to adolescent girls and young women, who remain at higher risk, and to addressing gaps in the clinical cascade of HIV care across different districts and localities. Strategies must include expanding access to medical male circumcision, increasing HIV testing, and promoting the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) .
Download Here:
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza #freestate
Central News South Africa
centralnews.co.za
