Concern over HIV patients who are not receiving treatment

Share the Article:

Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, says he remains concerned by those who are not on antiretroviral therapy (ART) despite knowing their HIV status.

Concern over HIV patients who are not receiving treatment — Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla. **Image:** *GCIS*

“We are doing extremely well on the number of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) who know their status. However, we have been struggling to reach a great milestone on the number of people that are on ARTs,” he said on Thursday.

Speaking at the high-level meeting convened in Cape Town by the US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar), Phaahla said a majority of these patients do come for treatment, but they disengage from care due to various factors.

However, he assured delegates that his department is currently addressing the matter, working together with all key role players, notably the PLHIV sector.

shutterstock 1522630529 scaled 1 — The Health ministry says it remains concerned by those who are not on antiretroviral therapy (ART) despite knowing their HIV status. **Image:** *Shutterstock*

Phaahla reported that their interventions have resulted in tracing and linking treatment for just over 1.1 million patients in December 2023, down from 1.4 million in March 2023.

Meanwhile, he said the number of PLHIV virally suppressed has increased by 510 469.

“Through this stakeholder collaboration and backed by the deployment of the community health workers, we hope to bring the many patients back to care.”

According to the latest data, deaths due to HIV are also declining, with an estimation of approximately 44 534 HIV-related deaths in South Africa in 2023.

This marks a reduction of over 50% compared to the last decade’s 92 129 AIDS-related deaths, said Phaahla.

ALSO READ | Public cautioned from engaging in risky sexual behaviour as STI infection rises

The Minister also touched on the men and children who are living with HIV who are not on treatment.

“While we have seen this steady, though still low progress, we continue to worry because we see fewer men and children being linked to care.

“We need to find 586 192 men and 71 763 children living with HIV and put them on treatment. Whilst for adult women we need to find and treat 530 737.”

Articled sourced: SAgovNews