The cost of stiff-arming HIV

Over the past years, South Africa has given us many treats; the most entertaining FIFA World Cup in years, repeat Rugby World Cup Champions, Tyla, and the title of “World’s Epicenter of HIV”.

A title the country has taken very seriously (at least, its attempts to lose it).

• Recent data show that infection rates have declined dramatically over the past two decades from over half a million to about 149,000 in 2023. Honestly, condoms should get an honorable mention here.

• Yet, the math holds that infection rates would have to come down to about 40,000 per year for the country to meet its SDG goal of reducing new infections by 90% in 2030.

Glimmer of hope?

More like shots of hope if you ask us. Like in recent times, when we want to avoid something (be it a disease or our unanswered emails), we take shots. For the average South African, this means taking shots of Calbotegravir, a vaccine meant to prevent HIV infection when taken every two months.

While a definite upgrade on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (pills meant to be taken daily to prevent infection), it also unfortunately is an upgrade on the cost, with the SA government having to shell out $30 (ZAR 570) per shot.

Leading by example….While South Africa may not be able to afford the innovation, it must be seen to adopt it or run the risk of discouraging further innovation in the HIV space. PEPFAR, an NGO and the single largest buyer of HIV medication globally has procured 300,000 shots of Calbotegavir (some of which will be donated to South Africa), hoping that the proof of the pudding is in the tasting.