For more than 30 years, despite HIV being impossible to beat, antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been known to be the most established and effective treatment for managing and suppressing HIV. During this year’s International AIDS Society Conference in July, the WHO has once again emphasised its importance and effectiveness in curbing the spread of the virus.
Improving the lives of individuals with HIV one ART at a time
WHO released a new guideline describing the role of ART and viral suppression in curbing the transmission of HIV based on results from a systematic review of the risk of sexual transmission of HIV among individuals with low levels of the virus. The systematic review was conducted from early 2010 to the end of 2022.
The study revealed that there was no transmission of the virus when the HIV-positive partner achieved undetectable viral load and complete viral suppression through ART. Among the 7,762 serodiscordant couples (one HIV-positive and one HIV-negative partner), only 323 transmission of HIV occurred. In those cases, the HIV-positive partner did not achieve undetectable viral load status.
The study concluded that there is no risk of transmitting HIV if the individual’s viral load is lower than 1,000 copies per ml.
According to WHO, 29.8 million individuals who are HIV-positive are going through ART by the end of 2022. That number makes up approximately 76% of individuals living with HIV. The results of those going through ART are astonishing. About 71% of them have entirely suppressed their viral load.
These 71% are well-protected from the complications of uncontrolled HIV infections and cannot infect other individuals.
There is, however, room for improvement when pertaining to HIV suppression among infected children. According to WHO, only 46% of HIV-positive children are virally suppressed.
More emphasis is needed on more accessible and reliable testing
Besides ART, WHO has also emphasised the need for other HIV preventive treatment methods. Widespread, accurate, and reliable testing is integral in eradicating HIV.
There are a couple of new WHO recommendations targeted at optimising testing for HIV, such as the expansion of the use of self-testing kits. The promotion of testing through social and sexual networks can help to boost testing coverage, improving prophylaxis and preventive practices.
These are particularly critical for regions or populations at higher risk. WHO’s 2022 data indicates that approximately 5.5 million individuals do not know that they are HIV-positive. The employment of self-testing kits can help to cover more individuals.
WHO also recommended making testing more available and more straightforward, including HIV PrEP.
COVID-19 is still a part of the picture
In 2023, WHO analysed the available data to determine the increased risk of fatality among individuals with HIV who were hospitalised with Omicron, Delta, and pre-Delta COVID-19 variants.
The result showed an overall mortality rate of 20% to 24%. As compared to HIV-negative individuals, the mortality rate of HIV-positive individuals is at least 142 times higher. This shows that HIV should be a significant consideration when preparing for a pandemic. Access to vaccines should be prioritised for high-risk individuals, such as those with HIV.
Conclusion
Understanding everything about HIV, conducting regular STD tests, and practising responsible and safe sex is imperative to protect you and your partners. Whether you are looking to get tested or looking to get preventive treatments, such as HIV PrEP or PEP, Elyon Clinic has got your back.
As an STD clinic, we offer a wide range of STD and HIV-related services, from preventive methods to testing, screening, and treatment. Do not hesitate to contact or visit us any day during our office hours. We guarantee you the utmost professionalism and confidentiality.