Page 26 - Nursing Matters June 2021 Vol 12

by expanding these testing, linkage the benefits of U=U are not undermined Will the status quo get South
to care and viral suppression targets by the increase of other unintended Africa to the end of the epidemic
4
to 95-95-95. To help realise this, the consequences of reduced condom use. in 2030?
Prevention Action Campaign launched
the Undetectable = Untransmittable South Africa’s mixed progress Even though, according to Johnson,
(U=U) campaign in 2016 to increase on the 90-90-90 UNAIDS targets the viral suppression rate among those
awareness of the relationship between on ART has exceeded the 90 percent
viral suppression and the prevention of The Thembisa model estimates show that, target, it is important that this indicator is
6
5
HIV transmission. This revolutionary in South Africa in 2019, 92% of PLHIV interpreted in the context of low reported
finding can relieve those living with HIV knew their status. University of Cape ART coverage. If the country accounts
6

of stigma and the need for consistent Town-based Dr Leigh Johnson stated for all PLHIV in South Africa (those
condom use, while also encouraging “[this] is good and means we’ve met diagnosed, on treatment and not on
individuals to attain and maintain viral the first of the UNAIDS targets [...] We treatment), more than 30% of them are
suppression. The result is both individual are unfortunately not doing well on the not virally suppressed and are therefore
well-being and lower population-level second target with only 71% of people potentially infectious.
HIV transmission. The shortfalls in viral diagnosed with HIV on treatment”. This
5
load (VL) monitoring, and the concern gap is despite South Africa being home Between 2010 and 2019 there has
that U=U does not protect against STIs to the largest HIV treatment programme been a 57% reduction in the rate of new
and unwanted pregnancy, may be in the world. “We exceeded the third HIV infections in South Africa. As much
affecting U=U uptake in the region. target” said Johnson, noting that 91% as there is noticeable progress, this falls
These concerns could be addressed with of people on treatment were virally short of the UNAIDS interim target of
comprehensive and clear messaging that suppressed. 6 a 75% reduction in new infections by

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HIV Nursing Matters | June 2021 | page 24 Also visit sahivsoc/learningopportunities.org. The
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