SOUTH AFRICA has made huge progress in its fight against HIV/Aids.
But with many people reluctant to use condoms during sex, a method highly recommended to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, an alternative method could be on the table for women.
This is according to the Sixth South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behaviour Survey (SABSSM VI), which found that the percentage of all people living with HIV in South Africa has decreased from 14,0% in 2017 to 12,7% in 2022.
This means that at least 7,8 million people live with HIV in South Africa in 2022 compared to 7,9 million in 2017.
These numbers were released by Professor Khangelani Zuma, the principal investigator from the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and his team, days before World Aids Day, observed yearly on 1 December.
“These factors include fewer people getting infected with HIV, more children born HIV-negative, Aids-related mortality, and people ageing and dying from natural causes."
“The increase in the population (birth of HIV-negative babies) would also increase the denominator of HIV-negative people in the country," he said.
“The epidemic curve also shows an ageing population of people living with HIV who are living longer as the epidemic stabilises."
While the numbers continue to drop, an article published in City Press that cited Zuma indicated that their usage of condoms has significantly declined.
As a result, Vaginal rings against HIV are in the pipeline.
According to an article on ABC News by Maria Cheng, a medical writer said: “A South African company will make vaginal rings that protect against HIV, which AIDS experts say should eventually make them cheaper and more readily available.”
She said these rings are silicon and will release a drug that helps prevent HIV infections.
The brains behind the vaginal ring, Kiara Health of Joburg, are said to produce an estimated one million rings annually and have since been authorised by the World Health Organisation.
These vaginal rings could potentially act as an alternative for women who prefer not to use condoms.
