Men have been identified as a major challenge in South Africa’s efforts against HIV by Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi. The issue at hand is that men are less likely to test for HIV, start on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and stay on treatment. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to test, start treatment, and remain on treatment. This imbalance has led to higher treatment interruption rates and HIV-related deaths among men compared to women.
The latest South African National HIV Prevalence Survey (SABSSM V1) reveals that out of the 7.8 million people with HIV in the country, 2.6 million are men. Of these, 1.8 million men are on ART, with 78.8% achieving viral load suppression. This means they have an undetectable viral load and a lower risk of transmitting HIV sexually to their partners.
To address this issue, a campaign has been launched to get an additional 1.1 million people on HIV treatment by December 2025. The goal is to achieve the 95-95-95 targets set by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) by 2030. This means that by 2025, 95% of people living with HIV should be aware of their status, 95% of those aware should be on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment should achieve viral load suppression.
One of the reasons why men default on treatment is due to negative experiences at healthcare facilities. Gordon Didiza, who was diagnosed with HIV in 2018, shared that he stopped taking his medication after three months due to rude and disrespectful treatment from clinic staff. This highlights the importance of removing barriers in healthcare facilities to ensure men stay on treatment.
Mluleki Zazini, chairperson of the people living with HIV sector of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), emphasizes the need to address these barriers, including the attitudes and insults men receive from healthcare providers. Setting up a desk at every healthcare facility for people living with HIV to handle complaints directly is one proposed solution.
Despite challenges, there has been progress in the fight against HIV in South Africa. The SABSSM V1 shows a decrease in HIV prevalence and an increase in the number of people receiving ART. With continued commitment from the government and support from all sectors, there is optimism that the country can end the HIV pandemic. It is crucial to work together to ensure that everyone has access to HIV services and to achieve the goal of ending AIDS as a public threat. As a health news website, it is important to provide informative and engaging articles to our readers. Today, we will be discussing the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle to promote overall well-being.
A healthy diet plays a crucial role in maintaining good health and preventing various diseases. It is important to consume a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. By incorporating these foods into your daily meals, you can ensure that your body is receiving the essential nutrients it needs to function properly.
In addition to a healthy diet, regular exercise is also important for maintaining good health. Physical activity not only helps to keep your body in shape, but it also has numerous other benefits, such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases, improving mood, and boosting energy levels. Aim to engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week to reap the benefits of a more active lifestyle.
In addition to diet and exercise, it is important to prioritize self-care and stress management. Chronic stress can have a negative impact on both your physical and mental health, so it is important to find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as practicing mindfulness, meditation, or engaging in activities that bring you joy.
Overall, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is crucial for promoting overall well-being. By making small, sustainable changes to your daily routine, you can improve your health and quality of life in the long run. Remember, it is never too late to start prioritizing your health, so why not start today?
