Nombuyiselo Mapongwana’s journey with HIV and AIDS is a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of those living with the virus. Her story highlights the challenges faced by many South Africans during the early days of the HIV epidemic, as well as the progress that has been made in the fight against the disease.
Nombuyiselo’s experience of living with AIDS in the early 2000s paints a stark picture of the lack of access to life-saving antiretroviral treatment in the public sector. At a time when ARVs were only available to those who could afford them, Nombuyiselo turned to traditional healers in a desperate attempt to find a cure. The lack of effective treatment options left her feeling hopeless and on the brink of death.
However, Nombuyiselo’s story takes a hopeful turn when her friends and family come together to help her access the medication she needs. With the support of a private donor, she is able to start treatment and slowly regain her health. Despite the severe side effects of the medication, Nombuyiselo perseveres and becomes an advocate for HIV treatment, sharing her story with others and raising awareness about the importance of access to ARVs.
Today, South Africa has made significant strides in the fight against HIV, with millions of people on antiretroviral treatment. The introduction of the state-funded ARV programme has been a game-changer, leading to a dramatic decrease in AIDS-related deaths. However, there is still work to be done to reach the UNAIDS goals of ending HIV by 2030.
As the country looks towards the future, it is essential to focus on reaching those who are not yet on treatment and ensuring that those on treatment remain compliant. The shift towards more older people living with HIV also highlights the need for integrated healthcare services that address both infectious and non-communicable diseases.
Nombuyiselo’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of access to treatment and the resilience of those living with HIV. Her journey from despair to hope serves as inspiration for others facing similar challenges, and her advocacy for HIV treatment continues to make a difference in the fight against the virus. In order to truly maximize the benefits of HIV treatment, Dr. Shahmanesh emphasizes the importance of increasing testing and starting treatment promptly. This approach is not only endorsed by health experts like Shahmanesh, but also by the government. Deputy President Paul Mashitile recently announced a government initiative to trace and link 1.1 million people living with HIV to treatment by December 2025. This ambitious goal is in line with the UNAIDS targets of achieving 95-95-95 – 95% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 95% of those diagnosed with HIV on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieving viral suppression.
While treatment is a crucial aspect of managing the HIV epidemic, Shahmanesh stresses the importance of focusing on prevention as well. Simply providing treatment to those already infected will not be enough to curb the spread of the virus. Prevention strategies, such as education, access to condoms, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), are essential in reducing new HIV infections.
By combining efforts in testing, treatment, and prevention, we can work towards achieving the UNAIDS targets and ultimately reducing the impact of HIV/AIDS on our communities. It is imperative that we continue to prioritize these interventions in order to make meaningful progress in the fight against this global health crisis.
