LIMPOPO HAS THE GOOD AND THE BAD IN HIV PREVELENCE 

LIMPOPO HAS THE GOOD AND THE BAD IN HIV PREVELENCE

By Montsho Matlala
Limpopo:Limpopo had recorded the lowest HIV prevalence levels in 2022 at 8.9% down from 10.1% in 2017, a study by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) released at the end of August this year has revealed.
Titled the sixth South African HIV, Prevalence, Incidence and Behavior Survey (SABSSM V1) the study indicates an estimated 570,000 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the province in 2022, a 2, 0% decrease from the 580,000 in 2017.
Announcing the findings during a recent ceremony held at Meropa Casino outside Polokwane, Professor Khangelani Zuma who is attached to HSRC and a principal investigator in the study said females showed a higher prevalence across all selected demographic variables compared to their male counterparts.
“In 2022 HIV prevalence in Limpopo was disproportionately higher among the 25-49 age group with female leading at 22.3% and males trailing at17.0%.
“And during the same year (2022), HIV prevalence was high 7.4% among individuals living in rural, formal or farm areas,” Prof Zuma added.
In 2022 Limpopo’s antiretroviral treatment (ART) coverage estimates increased to 80.8% from 62.8% in 2017 closely mirroring the national estimates. This translates to an estimated 430,000 people living with HIV in the province receiving treatment in 2022 an increase compared to 290,000 in 2017, according to the study
People aged 25-49 living with HIV in the province make up the majority of those who are unaware of their HIV status (65.0%). Those aware but not on ART (63.3%) and those on ART but not virally suppressed are 65.9%.

Responding to the findings Morubela Raphahlelo, director of Aids Council within the office of Limpopo premier said,“The message is clear, we all have responsibilities, we must collaborate and stop working in silos if we have to fully reduce and ultimately end HIV infection.”