By OBAKENG MAJE
Almost 549 155 people are estimated to be living with HIV and AIDS in North West. The North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said the most affected individuals are between the age of 35 and 39 at 93 640, followed by the age group of 30 to 34 at 83 077.
“As the department, we have used Naomi and Thembisa model estimates. As a way of improving the quality of life and increasing the life expectancy of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV), the department is implementing a test and treatment strategy to ensure that all people are traced and linked to care.
“However, the department is implementing different strategies to prevent new infections. These strategies include advocacy, communication, and social mobilisation using different media platforms, HIV and AIDS testing campaigns in collaboration with other departments, developmental partners, NGOs, CBOs, and Civil society,” he said.
Lekgethwane further said they also use index testing, implementation of pre-exposure prophylaxis(PrEP), condom distribution for both males and females and programs targeted interventions for vulnerable groups e.g. LGBTQI, adolescents, and young women. He added that, for the past years, the HIV positivity rate has been reducing gradually.
“In 2020/21, infections were reduced by 2.6%, in 2021/22 by 2.1%, and 1.7% in 2022/23. According to studies conducted in Ekhuruleni, Gauteng province, the excessive drinking of alcohol, multiple sexual partners, violent behaviours and unprotected sex are contributing factors to HIV infections, especially among the youth.
“Another study conducted in Africa also indicates almost the causes and/or contributing factors such as alcohol consumption, multiple sexual partners, low schooling, black ethnicity, inconsistent use of condom and early sexual onset,” said Lekgethwane.
He said in the province, 199 754 males are infected and account for 36% of infections, while 332 725 females account for 61% of infections according to the Naomi and Thembisa estimates.
“Treatment interruption by clients and loss to follow up, non-compliance to condom usage by sexually active persons, especially young people, use of alcohol and substance abuse is also a contributing factor to unprotected sex. Of the 549 155 estimated PLHIV, Bojanala Platinum accounts for 283 257. Over 350 000 people are currently on ARVs,” he said.
The Guardian 