The effectiveness of sustained adherence to anti-retroviral treatment has led to a significant decline in mortality rates among people living with HIV, according to Discovery Health Medical Scheme’s data for 13 years, which show members’ HIV mortality rates have almost halved (down 47%).
TimesLIVE reports that HIV was the fourth highest cause of death among scheme members in 2012 but dropped to 13th in 2024, with cancer and cardiovascular disease-related deaths now taking the lead.
Over the same period, the average age at death for members on its HIV Care programme increased by eight years, from under 43 to over 51.
By 2024, mortality rates of HIV-registered members with undetectable viral loads were similar to those of members not registered for HIV benefits.
“The decrease can be attributed to sustained adherence to ART, which has played a crucial role in achieving and maintaining viral load suppression,” said Dr Noluthando Nematswerani, chief clinical officer at Discovery Health.
“On the other hand, our data show members with high viral loads faced a 4.7 times greater risk of death, highlighting the critical role of early and consistent viral suppression.”
The proportion of HIV-registered members with undetectable viral loads rose from 65% in 2012 to 85% in 2024, with a 16% decrease in the proportion of members with an uncontrolled viral load.
The most common are cardiovascular disease, diabetes and mental health conditions.
In 2024, non-communicable diseases accounted for 32% of deaths among HIV-registered members, up from 23% in 2012.
The prevalence is at similar levels between HIV registered and non-HIV registered members across all age groups.
“The data show HIV is no longer the dominant threat it once was for members who are appropriately managed,” said Nematswerani.
“But they also reveal a new challenge, the rising impact of chronic conditions among people with HIV.”
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