South Africa's bid to end AIDS

In a large, generalized epidemic like South Africa’s, combining sustained antiretroviral treatment (ART) with proven strategies such as male circumcision, condom promotion, and behavior change efforts could prove less effective than expected, writes Jon Cohen of Science magazine. Neighboring Botswana has reached the UNAIDS targets of 90 percent of people living with HIV knowing their status, 90 percent of those with an HIV diagnosis receiving ART, and 90 percent of those on ART having suppressed viral loads, yet HIV incidence remains high. Studies are underway to assess the impact of the HIV treatment as prevention (TasP) strategy. Researchers are also evaluating the use of antiretrovirals as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among young women ages 15 to 24, who account for 30 percent of all new HIV infections in South Africa. The number of eligible South Africans receiving ART increased dramatically from 2005 to 2014, and life expectancy rose by nine years as a result (Science, 29 June 2016).