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29 November 2024
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 39.9 million people globally were living with HIV end of 2023. The UNAIDS noted in 2023 that an estimated 7.7 million South African adults and children were living with HIV. While these figures highlight the ongoing challenge, significant treatment advancements offer renewed hope.
The story that has the potential to be a massive game-changer for patients and their quality of life in the next year or two is not the AI story. It is the vaccination and injectable story.
Currently, prophylaxis must be taken as daily pills for an exposure-dependent period. The biannual injection – which is already used elsewhere as treatment for HIV positive patients – is now also proving successful in preventing new infections, according to an African study. It is estimated that it will take around two to three years for these treatments to reach the general population.
HIV triggers an inflammatory response in the body, and when combined with metabolic diseases like diabetes or heart disease, the effects of both conditions worsen, creating a terrible double-edged sword. That’s why it’s so exciting to see a double-edged solution emerging from an unexpected source: the weight-loss industry.
Recent innovations have led clinicians to explore whether semaglutides – best known as the weight-loss drug Ozempic – could be paired with ARVs to tackle the dual inflammatory impact in HIV patients. Research now strongly suggests that this combination, whether as a single injection or pills, can halt the inflammatory process driving these chronic disorders. It’s an incredible, life-altering development.
HIV Clinicians are also exploring ways to reclassify semaglutides for patients with both HIV and metabolic conditions, prioritising access as prices drop. At Sanlam, we believe in addressing HIV in conjunction with other diseases, not in isolation. We’re closely monitoring advancements like these which improve outcomes for patients and society.
Despite significant progress, the South African government highlights that over two million South Africans still lack treatment, with HIV disproportionately affecting young women, those in poverty, and people with other health conditions. Addressing HIV alongside these challenges is essential for better outcomes.
With innovations like semaglutides, and a push toward universal treatment and suppression with less frequent dosages of anti-retroviral treatment, there’s renewed hope for a brighter, healthier future for all. The UN’s ambitious 90-90-90 targets have driven global efforts, but new vaccine innovations make the dream of achieving 100-100-100 – universal awareness, treatment, and viral suppression – a tangible goal.
At Sanlam, we were proud to have been the first major South African insurer to offer comprehensive life and living benefits cover to people living with HIV. We remain committed to advancing healthcare solutions that improve lives and redefine the role of insurance.