Women Face More Than Just the Virus

HIV is a significant threat to South Africa’s public health, particularly among women. UNAIDS show a worrying image: over 4.9 million women aged 15 and older are living with HIV. For women aged 15 to 49, the prevalence rate is 22.6%. Even more concerning is that 89,000 new infections occurred in women over the age of 15 last year alone. These figures make it clear that not enough are being done.  

“We cannot ignore these numbers. It is evident that the current prevention efforts are simply not enough, and we need change now as we head towards 2030 and our target of an AIDS-free generation.” Says Colleen Wagner, NACOSA’s Catalytic Grant Manager who is also a midwife and nursing sister.

There are still gaps in treatment access, even though there has been substantial progress – 81 percent of women now receive antiretroviral therapy (ART). Nearly 270,000 pregnant women require treatment to prevent mother-to-child transmission, and while 264,889 of these women received treatment (UNAIDS), that small gap shows us how vital it is to address every missing piece. Every untreated woman is a potential new infection in her child. 

The Hidden Traps  

HIV is a complex medical condition that is also influenced by social and economic factors. But what complicates this issue even further is the role of gender-based violence (GBV) as a determinant of HIV acquisition. Among young women aged 15 to 19, the rate of intimate partner violence is shockingly high at 30.1% (UNAIDS). This violence increases a woman’s risk of HIV infection and also creates obstacles to accessing and staying on treatment. When women are trapped in abusive relationships, their ability to prioritise their health is severely compromised.    

“HIV is not a standalone disease. It is connected to broader issues like GBV, poverty, and social stigma. Women aren’t just battling the virus – they’re fighting against systemic inequalities.” Wagner explains

Poverty, for example, forces many women into situations where they cannot negotiate safe sex or access necessary healthcare services. Economic dependence on male partners often prevents women from leaving abusive relationships or protecting themselves against infection. Additionally, the stigma surrounding HIV makes it even harder for women to seek help. Many women fear being judged or excluded by their communities, and this delays crucial treatment.  

The bigger picture 

So, what’s the way forward? The solution cannot be limited to providing treatment. A comprehensive plan that addresses the underlying causes of vulnerability is needed. Empowering women is the key. We need to have systems that support women, provide economic opportunities, and ensure healthcare access. We must look at the bigger picture, not just the virus. 

This includes efforts to support ART adherence, especially for women, but also focusing on prevention by addressing issues like intimate partner violence, GBV, poverty, and the lack of gender equality. We must also continue to raise awareness around the importance of regular testing and safer sex practices. Education campaigns that speak directly to women and provide practical information on where to seek help, especially in rural and impoverished communities, could make a difference in preventing new infections.  

The numbers may be overwhelming, but they represent real lives – millions of women in South Africa who are battling a virus while facing the challenges of poverty, abuse, and stigma. We cannot afford to treat HIV as an isolated health issue anymore, until we address the specific challenges that women face, these statistics will remain a tragic reality.  

“All spheres of government together with civil society and the private sector coming together to address the barriers that are preventing us getting to an AIDS-free generation. Ending AIDS is a collective effort.” Concludes Wagner