HIV Prevention News Around The Globe

Limpopo records lowest HIV prevalence in 2022: HSRC

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) survey indicates that Limpopo had the lowest HIV prevalence levels among all the provinces in 2022.

The council released the key findings of the Sixth South African HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behaviour Survey in Polokwane. The figures are down from 10.1% in 2017 to 8.9% in 2022. This translates to an estimated 570 000 people living with HIV in the province.

Although Limpopo has the lowest HIV prevalence, the findings also showed that in 2022, HIV prevalence in the province was disproportionately higher among the 25 to 49 age group. Females in this age group have recorded a prevalence of 22.3% with the males recording 17%. The survey also revealed that 11.4% of people aged 15 years and older in Limpopo were reported to have multiple sexual partners in 2022, a decrease from 12.0% in 2017. Notably, 18.5% of men were 3.7 times more likely to report having multiple sexual partners than 5% of women.

The highest proportion of multiple sexual partners was found among those aged between 15 and 24 years, compared to other age groups. HSRC Principal Investigator, Professor Khangelani Zuma, says although the HIV prevalence has decreased, it doesn’t mean that people should not use protection.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) has expressed optimism about the progress made by the country in combating HIV.

You can read more about the findings here

Eswatini to roll out first women-controlled HIV prevention product

IPPF’s Member Association in Eswatini, the Family Life Association of Eswatini (FLAS), is soon to roll out the first women-controlled HIV prevention product, the dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR).

FLAS will be among the first organisations to offer the DVR outside implementation or pilot studies anywhere in the world. Made of flexible silicone, the ring is inserted into the vagina by a woman and slowly releases the antiretroviral drug dapivirine in the vagina over a one-month period, helping to reduce a woman’s risk of acquiring HIV.

The DVR is a product women can control themselves and use without the knowledge or consent of their partners, unlike condoms, which men often refuse to use. The DVR is inserted into the vagina and left for a one-month period, where it can then be replaced each month for continued protection. Unlike daily oral PrEP, the DVR does not rely on remembering to take a pill each day and is also discreet as it stays inside the vagina throughout the month.

The DVR does not prevent pregnancy or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so women choosing to use the ring may want to consider combining it with condoms and methods of contraception. The availability of the DVR is an exciting step in supporting women’s autonomy and choice in HIV prevention.

Currently the ring is available at selected facilities through implementation studies across six countries in East and Southern Africa; South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Uganda.

You can read more about the news here

Uganda to receive 10,000 doses of injectable drug for HIV prevention

Uganda's Ministry of Health has announced plans to introduce a long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug, known as Cabotegravir (CAB-LA), from September. Dr Herbert Kadama, the ministry's PrEP coordinator, said the country expects to receive about 10,000 doses from the United States Agency for International Development (USAid).

“We plan to begin CAB-LA implementation at seven PEPFAR USAid-supported facilities in September this year. By February 2025, we will extend to four additional sites, thanks to support from the Global Fund,” Dr Kadama said. CAB-LA, which is administered every two months, is designed to prevent HIV transmission through any form of exposure.

Dr Kadama explained that when the drug is injected into the buttock, it is slowly released from the muscle into the body and enters the bloodstream, where it builds up in the body's cells and prevents HIV infection. He added that the slow release of the drug is due to special components in the drug.

Currently, Uganda implements two HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) options: oral PrEP and the vaginal ring. Since the introduction of oral PrEP in 2017, the number of users has increased from 800 to over 700,000. To date, 279 women have used the vaginal ring, which is available at seven facilities across the country, including those in Mbarara, Eastern Region and Northern Region. The vaginal ring, which is effective one day after insertion, needs to be replaced every 28 days. With support from the Global Fund, the ring will be made available in more facilities.

You can read more about the news here

PEPFAR Increases Access and Improves Safety of HIV Medicines in Angola

People living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) rely on regular access to medication (known as antiretrovirals) to keep the HIV virus in their blood under control.

In Angola, the Ministry of Health's National Institute in the Fight against AIDS (INLS) works hard to ensure that there is enough HIV medication in health facilities where people living with HIV receive treatment.

Despite these efforts, the Angola national HIV program faces critical funding shortages, which makes it challenging to provide quality care and treatment for people living with HIV. There have been times when health facilities had limited or incomplete supplies of medication, leading to shortages. Additionally, medication stored in central and provincial warehouses has not always been delivered to health facilities on time, causing patient treatment delays.

To support and promote an efficient HIV response, in the implementation plan for 2024 - 2025, the PEPFAR Angola program has provided $10 million to support four provinces namely, Benguela, Cunene, Huambo and Lunda Sul. These funds will provide HIV treatment services in the 22 health facilities providing care for 150,000 people receiving HIV treatment. The funding will supply HIV medication; conduct activities to ensure patients stay in care; and improve the availability of essential commodities such as test and reagent kits for HIV diagnoses and monitoring.

You can read more about the news here

People living with HIV/AIDS at higher risk of Mpox, NACA cautions

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has urged people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) to be cautious as they are at higher risk of contracting Mpox considering their health status.

The agency’s Director General (DG) emitope Ilori said it was very important for PLWHA and the public to take preventive measures against the rising threat of Mpox. Mpox is a rare viral zoonotic infectious disease, occurring in several African countries, including the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa.

The exact reservoir of the virus remains unknown, although rodents, squirrels and monkeys are suspected to play a role in transmission and it can spread from animal to human and from human to human. In a statement on Saturday by the Head of Public Relations and Protocol, Toyin Aderibigbe, the DG, who emphasised that extra care by PLWHA is vital, said: “While anyone can contract Mpox, individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those living with HIV, may experience more severe symptoms.

She implored the public to remain vigilant and be informed about the disease while stressing that early detection and treatment of its infection is crucial.

“If you notice any unusual symptoms, such as a rash or fever, it is imperative to seek medical attention immediately. Early intervention is key to managing Mpox effectively. “We urge everyone, especially those living with HIV, to stay informed, adhere to preventive measures, and seek medical advice promptly if needed.

You can read more about the news here

Opportunities

Call for expressions of interest to serve 2024-2026 United Nations WHO Youth Council (Fully-funded and open to youth worldwide)

The World Health Organization (WHO) is excited to announce the opening of the application process for the second term of the WHO Youth Council, scheduled to run from 2024 to 2026. This is a unique opportunity for organizations worldwide to contribute to global health initiatives by engaging in meaningful youth-focused discussions and activities. WHO invites eligible organizations to submit their expressions of interest and encourages all applicants to review the provided instructions and eligibility criteria carefully

We are asking all WHO Youth Council members to be a part of the WHO Civil Society Commission. If your organization is not yet a member, please submit your application here in addition to submitting your expression of interest for the WHO Youth Council.

Application process

Interested organizations are required to complete the online application form available at WHO Youth Council Application Form.