When we look back at South Africa’s and the world’s history with the HIV/AIDS epidemic, we can see how far the human species has progressed in almost ‘having things under control.’ Because of this, December 1 is designated as World Aids Day around the world.
The World Health Organization (WHO) established the day in 1988 in order to raise awareness about the disease and demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the epidemic. The WHO describes the day as an opportunity for public and private partners to raise awareness about the disease’s status and encourage progress in its prevention, treatment, and care.
“It has become one of the most widely recognised international health days and a key opportunity to raise awareness, commemorate those who have died, and celebrate victories such as increased access to treatment and prevention services,” they said.
When it was first discovered in the United States in 1981, it was mislabeled as ‘Gay men’s pneumonia.’ Following that, the disease became stigmatised. Fortunately, research into a cure began, followed by the development of antiretrovirals (ARVs), and the most recent addition to the fight against the disease is the development of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medication.
Antiretrovirals
Antiretrovirals provided much-needed relief, giving people living with the disease a second chance at leading normal lives. Antiretrovirals are medications that are taken on a daily basis to keep the disease from replicating in the body. This allows the immune system to repair itself and prevent further damage. ARVs have evolved dramatically in the 30 years since they were first introduced.
In South Africa, there are six main types of ARVs, with each class of drug attacking HIV in a different way. Abacavir (Ziagen), emtricitabine (Emtriva), iamivudine (Epivir), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread), and zidovudine are among them (Retrovir). To ensure a powerful attack on HIV, drugs from two classes are typically combined.
The first ARVs were made available to the public in the country in 2004, and they required the patient to take multiple pills throughout the day. In addition to this enormous responsibility, the side effects proved difficult for some patients, prompting the introduction of second-regime ARVs tenofovir emtricitabine efavirenz. Patients only had to take one pill per day with this version of ARVs.
The most recent addition to the ARV family has made life even easier for those living with the disease. Doctors, professors, government officials, and researchers have collaborated to develop a three-in-one, fixed-dose combination of dolutegravir, lamivudine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TLD).
With the assistance of Unitaid, the South African government was able to implement this cutting-edge treatment regime in 2019. According to Unitaid Executive Director Lelio Marmora, the introduction of the new treatment is expected to have a far-reaching impact because South Africa is home to approximately 20% of people living with HIV worldwide.
“We are pleased that our investments, globally and directly in South Africa, have helped set the stage for this more affordable and effective treatment,” said Marmora.
TLD is currently used by more than 60% of HIV patients and is the most cost-effective and effective HIV treatment available.
Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
The development of PrEP has been critical in reducing the number of new HIV infections worldwide. PrEP is a medication that lowers your chances of contracting HIV through sex or injection drug use. When taken within 72 hours of being exposed to HIV, this medication, taken once daily, can prevent both pre-exposure and post-exposure.
PrEP not only provides some relief to those who do not want to contract the disease, but it is also widely used for rape victims who may have been unintentionally exposed to the disease. This medication, like ARVs, is subsidised by the Department of Health and is available for free from any public health facility, including clinics and hospitals.
Needless to say, finding a cure for HIV/AIDS remains a long-term goal. With the advancement of medical technology, there is hope that we will one day wake up in an HIV-free South Africa and world.
Main Image: World Aids Day: The Fight Continues/ Illustrate
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